Welcome ladies and gentlemen to the Hog Molly Report Stitched Ryan Kalil Jersey , where winning in the trenches is all that matters. Before we begin, we open with the reciting of our usual motto:In the spirit of Mr. Gettleman’s words (regardless of him having moved on) and the philosophy of building a team from the inside out, my goal will be to watch the hog mollies each game during the season and give them a grade based on their performance. This week we will look at uplifting win over the Cincinnati Bengals where the Panthers improve to 2-1 on the season heading into their early bye week. Like the game before it, this game wasn’t at all what we expected given the events of the week prior. Both sets of Hog Mollies came to play, even against a daunting opponent on both sides of the ball.Offensive Hog MolliesYards per Carry: 5.6, season: 5.5 (3rd, NFL)Yards per Play: 5.8, season: 5.8 (14th, NFL)Sacks allowed: 1, season: 6 (T-14th Dennis Daley Carolina Panthers Jersey , NFL)Third downs converted: 6 of 13 or 46%, season: 42% (13th, NFL)Rating: 5 out of 5 Pigs in a Cam Newton blanketThe Carolina Panthers currently lead the league in average rushing yards per game and are third overall in yards per carry while consistently being down at least three of their expected starting linemen. I can’t overstate home phenomenal that is. Credit is shared by the hogs and the excellent offensive backfield behind them for this achievement. Even more phenomenal perhaps, is the fact that they only gave up one sack against one of the more talented front fours in the NFL, and kept pressure to a minimum on the day.Here’s a very brief sack report:1st Sack: Q4 11:59, 1st & 10, CAR 31 - The only sack of the game could have been a game changing disaster. Chris Clark succeeds on initial contact one on one vs. Carlos Dunlap, but eventually allows him by on an outside speed rush. The angle is just enough for Dunlap to reach out and get a hand on Cam Newton’s throwing arm as he cocks back for a throw. The ball comes out, thankfully it takes a Carolina bounce off a Cincinnati defender’s chest and Cam somehow ends up with it again.The bye week comes at an opportune time for the offensive line, as hopefully it will be enough time for Trai Turner to clear the concussion protocol. It should be noted that Tyler Larsen has done an excellent job filling in for him though. This was also a bounce back game for Greg Van Roten and Ryan Kalil 2019 Dennis Daley Jersey , who struggled a bit against the Falcons. Van Roten was particularly brilliant on the day, helping lead the charge on a Cam Newton rushing touchdown and C.J. Anderson receiving touchdown.Chris Clark continues to be really good as far as the expectations go for a guy who would still be available to play left tackle once the season starts. The Panthers continue to trust him without much help on that left side, and though he surrendered the most pressure of any lineman, it was well within an acceptable range. On the other side, Taylor Moton continues to be outstanding, and is making a great case for a Pro Bowl bid.Defensive Hog MolliesYards per Carry: 5.1, season: 4.9 (26th, NFL)Yards per Play: 6.7, season: 6.0 (26th, NFL)Sacks given: 2 Dennis Daley Carolina Panthers Jersey , season: 8 (T-9th, NFL)Third down allowed %: 4 of 10 or 40%, season: 38% (T-14th, NFL)Rating: 4 out of 5 Disruptive SnortsmanThis week is a great example of why they don’t play the game on paper. Statistically, allowing five yards a carry and seven yards a play is pretty bad, evidenced by the team’s season rankings. However, crunch time sacks like those delivered by Efe Obada yesterday (one credited, and one that became an incompletion on review) have far more reaching impacts. Just look at the play Carlos Dunlap made for the Bengals. That could have completely flipped the game result, had they recovered the fumble.Another thing that doesn’t show up on stat sheets are eye-based statistics like pressure generated, and the effect of pressure in a quarterback’s face. To that end Cheap Dennis Daley Jersey , it was an extremely uncomfortable day for Andy Dalton, and the entire rotation more or less contributed. Kyle Love and Vernon Butler both had bounce back days, showing that maintaining effectiveness while they are on the field is crucial to our success. The interception counter was just as much a hog molly achievement as a defensive backs one... but particularly in one very impressive case...Hog Molly of the Week: Efe ObadaTo the tune of Obladi Oblada by The Beatles...Rivera has Marquise on the inactive list...Efe is your Sunday man.Rivera says to Efe man I like your face...Efe does the best he can.Oba dee Obada on the lawn bra...La-La Efe on the lawn.Andy D Andy Da on the ground bra...La-La Andy on the ground.This is probably the easiest award I’ll hand out all season. Obada made a name for himself, picking a really good day to have a career day. He effectively registered two sacks on Andy Dalton, and a game changing heads up interception. Some people are already crowning him the future of the Panthers pass rush, and while I would caution against that, it was an awesome step for a guy whose road to the NFL has been a strange and difficult one. But, there are some perks when you’re a very raw prospect like Obada. If your first real knowledge of the game comes from professional coaching, there are a lot fewer bad habits to break. I for one hope this is a sign of things to come, and I’m sure Rivera will factor him more heavily into the rotation going forward. It’s Divisional Round weekend Womens Curtis Samuel Jersey , which in my opinion is the most exciting weekend of the playoff schedule. There are four really good games for our enjoyment this weekend.On today’s menu we have the Chiefs and Colts facing off in the AFC and the Rams and Cowboys in the NFC. I’m really looking forward to the Chiefs-Colts game. I think that one’s gonna be must see television.Here’s a breakdown of the two games happening today:Kansas City Chiefs (1) vs Indianapolis Colts (6)When: 4:35 p.m. ETWhere: Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City, MO)TV: NBC; Al Michaels, Cris CollinsworthRadio: SiriusXM 88, SiriusXM 468 (Spanish)Stream: NBC Sports Live*Weather: 36掳/29掳 / Snow Showers / 8 mph NNE wind / 60% precip.Odds: Kansas City (-5) | o/u: 56.5Los Angeles Rams (2) vs Dallas Cowboys (4)When: 8:15 p.m. ETWhere: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum (Los Angeles, CA)TV: FOX; Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Erin AndrewsRadio: SiriusXM 88, SiriusXM 468 (Spanish)Stream: FOX Sports Go*Weather: 63掳/50掳 / Partly Cloudy / 4 mph E wind / 20% precip.Odds: Los Angeles (-7) | o/u: 49.5 * - Cable/satellite subscription requiredUse this space to talk about the action as it unfolds.You know the drill.This is now an open thread!
The Baltimore Ravens went into Los Angeles on a short week and completely shut down the high-powered offense of the Chargers. In an absolutely smothering defensive performance Elite Justin Tucker Jersey , one player stood..."WhitePodcast Film Review 2019 NFL Draft Fanposts Fanshots Ravens StoriesScheduleRosterStatsYahoo Ravens ReportYahoo Ravens Depth ChartYahoo Ravens TransactionsYahoo Ravens PhotosAbout Odds Community Guidelines StubHub 鉁昍avens MVP of the week: Patrick OnwuasorNew,1commentByDustin Cox@_dustincoxDec 27, 2018,9:00am ESTShareTweetShareShareRavens MVP of the week: Patrick OnwuasorJake Roth-USA TODAY SportsThe Baltimore Ravens went into Los Angeles on a short week and completely shut down the high-powered offense of the Chargers. In an absolutely smothering defensive performance, one player stood above the rest with the best game of his career. Third-year linebacker Patrick Onwuasor made the biggest play of the game, effectively saving Baltimore’s season in the process. With 2:54 left to play Game Justin Tucker Jersey , leading only by six points, the Ravens faced a situation that has become far too familiar in recent memory. The fate of the season rested on the defense, as it had the previous two years. Prior to his game-changing forced fumble, Onwuasor had already made several other big plays, including two sacks on Phillip Rivers. The first sack came early in the third quarter with the Ravens leading 13-10. The second sack came with 9:45 left in the game. Onwuasor also led the team in tackles with a total of nine. With just under three minutes remaining in the game and trailing by six, Los Angeles had the ball after a three-and-out from Baltimore’s offense. After a penalty backed the Chargers up into 1st-and-20 Justin Tucker Womens Jersey , Rivers hit veteran tight end Antonio Gates across the middle when Onwuasor punched the football loose on the tackle. Cornerback Tavon Young was there to recover the fumble and return it for a touchdown, extending the lead to 22-10. Onwuasor was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his standout performance against Los Angeles. To call the Ravens a run-first offense since Lamar Jackson took over as starting quarterback would be an understatement. The Ravens are choosing running over passing like no other team in the NFL.In the four games since Jackson took over for Joe Flacco as the Ravens’ starter, Baltimore has run the ball 185 times, which is the most of any team in the NFL in that time. Meanwhile, Baltimore has passed the ball just 96 times, the fewest in the NFL over that time.The Ravens’ nearly 2-to-1 run-pass ratio with Jackson as the quarterback is unheard of in today’s NFL Youth Justin Tucker Jersey , where NFL teams are averaging 35 passes and 26 runs per game in 2018.So far this season Jackson has 471 rushing yards, which ranks third among quarterbacks, and just 687 passing yards, which ranks 37th in the NFL.The question, however, is whether that kind of run-first approach is sustainable in the modern NFL Justin Tucker Men Jersey , where rules have been written to favor passing offenses, and where passing has become a much more efficient way to move the football than running. A article about the Ravens’ new-look offense says in its headline that Baltimore is “unnerving” NFL defenses, but there’s little evidence that Jackson is going to be able to beat elite defenses without putting the ball in the air.Fortunately for Jackson, he hasn’t been asked to beat elite defenses: The Ravens have won three games with Jackson as the starting quarterback, but those three games were against the Bengals, Raiders and Falcons Color Rush Justin Tucker Jersey , arguably the three worst defenses in the NFL. And on Sunday the Ravens face another bad defense, the Buccaneers.Eventually, however, the Ravens are going to need to see Jackson play well against a good defense. And in today’s NFL, that will mean beating teams with his arm as well as his legs.
ATLANTA (AP) — Pepsi is pouring it on in Coke’s house — injecting some fizz into its biggest rivalry during the buildup to the Super Bowl.While the visitors had called for a “cola truce” on social media with the NFL title game in the shadows of its competitor’s Atlanta-based headquarters Youth Takkarist McKinley Jersey , it seems to have been more of a Trojan Horse subterfuge designed to lure Coke into lowering its defenses.Billboards all around Atlanta call for Pepsi to “paint the town blue” and announce “Pepsi in Atlanta — how refreshing.”“I’d say Pepsi’s had a great heritage of being a challenger brand,” Todd Kaplan, Pepsi’s vice president of marketing, said Thursday. “The Pepsi-Coke rivalry has been going on for years. As a marketer, it’s been a fun, friendly kind of a thing. As a challenger brand, it’s really embracing the role to show everybody we’re the official NFL sponsor. Do it in a fun way with a competitor that we respect.”But while Pepsi has been intent on having fun at Coke’s expense, Coke will be tapping into its home-field advantage: Because it owns the “pouring rights” at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Coke products will be for sale at the fountains during the game between the Patriots and Rams. But the drinks will be served in NFL-themed Super Bowl cups.That hasn’t deterred Pepsi. The company, based in Purchase, New York, wheeled a life-sized statue of its founder, Caleb Bradham, in broad daylight to toast a soda with none other than the statue of Coca-Cola founder John Pemberton. The meeting came just outside the World of Coke museum in downtown Atlanta.And it didn’t last long.Pepsi was asked to leave a few minutes after setting up on the Coke property that’s located just a couple of blocks from the stadium.But Coke believes it has home-field advantage and has gone out of its way to stay above the fray.“I think certainly they came and they used Atlanta as an opportunity to have an Atlanta-focused message, and what I would say is that we have a message that is uniquely Coca-Cola,” said Brynn Bardacke Stitched Calvin Ridley Jersey , vice president of content and creative excellence for Coca-Cola North America. “I think we’re going to leave the rumbling to the football.“We’re going to use our advertising to talk about what’s important to the brand.”The latest chapter in the decades-long rivalry between Coke, the longtime leader in worldwide soda sales, and its not-quite-as-massive rival has been entertaining.Ask almost anyone around Atlanta — anywhere, really — and they have very strong opinions about the soda giants.Mark Meek, a Carolina Panthers fan from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, wasted no time choosing a side.“I like being the little guy, fighting for his place in the world,” he said. “I like it because it’s from my home state and we’ve got a little rivalry thing going with Georgia anyway. I like Lowe’s more than Home Depot. I like Pepsi more than I like Coke. I like the Panthers more than I like the Falcons. I like Bojangles more than I like Chick-Fil-A.”His friend Keith Priest, also Panthers fan from Winston-Salem, is a Coke man all the way.“Pepsi’s too sweet, way too sweet,” he said. “The carbonation seems better in a Coke. Every now and then I’ll get Cherry Coke, but other than that, it’s always just Coke.”Lest anyone forget that, Coke has bought the time slot right before the national anthem to roll out its big Super Bowl ad Youth Calvin Ridley Jersey , “A Coke is a Coke,” a strategic move it would’ve made regardless of Pepsi being in his hometown.“Well, we are here to welcome everybody to the city, Pepsi included,” Bardacke said. “Our effort is really focused on what our brand is and means to people and really what we offer. The message at a high level is that Coke is for everyone.”Maybe so, but not for Kaplan. Pepsi knows where it stands in pecking order, and has launched a marketing campaign that Pepsi is “more than OK.”“Every day there’s a cultural truth that people get asked this question when they’re in a restaurant.” Kaplan said. “Sometimes they will order our competitor’s beverage and they’ll be asked the question, ‘Is Pepsi OK?’ That’s a question that, for years, people get asked, and we wanted to take that truth and flip it on its head. Absolutely, Pepsi is more than OK.”But not for Atlanta resident Jack Jessen.“You’ve got to go with the hometown teams,” he said. “Coke and Falcons.”For Houston resident Zephra Belle, there’s no way she’s drinking Coke.“I’m Team Pepsi all the way,” she said. “It’s sweeter. It makes me feel better. I haven’t adjusted to Coke. I don’t understand the Coke people.” ATLANTA (AP) — Atlanta Falcons guard Ben Garland has won the NFL’s Salute to Service Award.Garland was recognized Wednesday by the league and USAA for his exceptional efforts to honor and support members of the military community. He will be recognized on Saturday night during NFL Honors, the prime-time TV show in which The Associated Press presents its individual awards for the 2018 season.“I am honored to win the award Stitched Alex Mack Jersey , but, honestly, I am just honored to be part of an organization that puts military first from the top down, from (owner) Arthur Blank to our head coach (Dan Quinn),” Garland said.“They do so much for our military and I am proud to be with an organization that is the spear in the NFL of showing how to do it right and how to truly give back and say thank you to the military members that absolutely deserve it.”USAA, a leading provider of insurance and other services to U.S. military members, veterans and their families, will contribute $25,000 in Garland’s honor to the official aid societies representing all five military branches. The NFL will match USAA’s donation of $25,000, which will be donated to the Garland’s military charity of choice.“From his time at the Air Force Academy and continuing throughout his NFL playing career, Ben Garland has embodied and demonstrated the understanding and appreciation for the service and sacrifice of the U.S. military and their families for which this award stands,” said Vice Admiral (Ret.) John Bird, USAA senior vice president of military affairs. “In the true spirit of the Salute to Service Award presented by USAA, we salute Ben for his tireless effort to support our military, veterans Youth Alex Mack Jersey , and their families, as well as his own service to our country as a member of the Colorado Air National Guard.”In 2018, Garland traveled on two USO tours, the first to Italy and Germany and the second to Iraq and Kuwait.Garland is involved with helping veterans make the adjustment after their service and in helping raise awareness of PTSD. Last year, he participated in the Armed Forces Mission’s Georgia LOSS Walk. He walked alongside veterans, service members and their families in honor of “Turning the Tide on Veteran Suicide.”As a current member of the Colorado Air National Guard, he also supports his fellow active duty service members. He donates game tickets each week to them; visits the Air Force Academy at least once a year to speak to the current students; works with Georgia Tech ROTC to inspire young officers; and meets with local young officers to mentor them.Garland was chosen for the award by a panel that included the 2017 recipient, Andre Roberts of the New York Jets; Bird; Chad Hennings, an Air Force Academy graduate and three-time Super Bowl champion; former wide receiver Vincent Jackson, the 2015 award recipient; for NFL coach Jim Mora; and Lenny Bandy, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and an NFL vice president of security.Other previous recipients were Quinn, Jared Allen, John Harbaugh, Charles Tillman and Bud Adams.
The Arizona Cardinals came back from their Bye Week and went off to Kansas City Adult Christian Kirk Jersey , a place they’ve never won seeking an improved offense, an improved defense, a new record for Larry Fitzgerald and an upset win.How’d they come out during this Veteran’s Day weekend?Let’s take a look.The game already started with an upset: Kansas City lost their first coin toss of the season.Steve Wilks, however, deferred but the Chiefs took advantage right away nabbing a touchdown off of a three-play drive in which the Cardinals’ defensive backs looked lost:The Cardinals, however, followed it up with maybe their best drive of the season.Ever since Mike McCoy was fired Limited Haason Reddick Jersey , fans and analysts have been expecting David Johnson and Larry Fitzgerald to get more involved.And that did seem to be the plan on their opening drive....A long drive that utilized David Johnson the whole way down and even threw it to him (a novel concept, Mike McCoy) on 3rd down for the score.Fitzgerald started getting involved as well, only a few yards away from moving past Terrell Owens into #2 of all-time.The Cardinals defense played pretty well overall, forcing the Chiefs to punt the ball a few times, but they couldn’t stop them fully and Tyreek Hill grabbed another touchdown with 3 Cardinal defenders around them and then took over the video camera in a celebration that was flagged but well worth it:Yup, that’ll go viral.The Cardinals ended up going down into the half, but opened up the 3rd quarter with a long Haason Reddick Cardinals Jersey , sustained drive that took a ton of time off the clock and actually outscored their opponent in the 3rd quarter!The offense had definitely improved some.The defense was lights out in the 3rd quarter too, from a hair-raising special teams tackle......to a Budda Baker dominating.His highlight reel slamming of a hurdling Kareem Hunt and a tackle off a blitz and leap up was amazing to see.Here’s a reminder of what Baker did last year as a rookie that went viral:And it’s already gotten some fun comparisons!In short, after a 3rd quarter in which the Cardinals had slowed the Chiefs and limited the gap, optimism was high.Jones was having a monster game and the defense was looking good.Larry Fitzgerald officially passed T.O. to get to #2 on the all-time list...Unfortunately like so many things for the Arizona Cardinals, well it went downhill from there...on an all important possession Josh Rosen threw a pick at Justin Houston, who D.J. Humphries didn’t block.KC was held back from going up 28-14 but still led and then the sacks kept raining in...my goodness the sacks kept raining in.And to make matters worse, there was one main perpetrator as well in RT Andre Smith:Wow.And you’d think that’s a bit harsh Elite Haason Reddick Jersey , but the hits kept coming....and coming....What’s worse, the Cardinals seem to potentially be on-track for more record setting in a not-good way...All in all, we will have three things we will remember about this game.#1: it was the David Johnson breakout game we’d all been waiting for.#2: Rosen is gonna be goodAnd #3: ....The sacks.What were your thoughts, Birdgang?Link any fun tweets you found or your comments below! Well, sometimes it is better not to be involved than to deal with the heart break.At least, that is what I tell myself coming off two of the hardest to swallow losses I can remember in the NFC and AFC Championship Games.Super LIII is on, the rematch between the Los Angeles Rams vs New England Patriots.Meanwhile Game Haason Reddick Jersey , we still have plenty of news coming out around the web on the Arizona Cardinals, so let’s get to it.Ten Years Later: The Cardinals Win The NFC ChampionshipTeam reached its first Super Bowl by capping dramatic playoff run with win over EaglesLarry Fitzgerald gets a hole in one, with President Obama as witnessReported addition of Clements gets Cardinals' offensive staff some helpNFC Championship 10-Year Anniversary - Shocked The WorldThe final installment of our four-part series to remember the 2008 NFC Championship win on its 10th anniversary.Kliff Kingsbury ready to find out what makes Josh Rosen 'tick' - Arizona Cardinals Blog- ESPNThe Cardinals got what they wanted in Kliff Kingsbury, a young offensive mind who can help mold 2018 first-round pick Josh Rosen.Report: Cardinals hire Tom Clements as offensive assistant, QB coachThe Arizona Cardinals are reportedly not expected to hire an offensive coordinator, but have hired Tom Clements to assist in the passing game.Rapoport: Cardinals not expected to hire an offensive coordinatorAfter six interviews with potential offensive coordinators, the Arizona Cardinals are reportedly not going to hire anyone for the coordinator position.AZ Cardinals hire Tom Clements as QB coach Haason Reddick Womens Jersey , passing game coordinatorHe will be like an offensive coordinator but will not carry the title.Arizona Cardinals plan to go without official offensive coordinatorAfter several reported interviews for the position, the Cardinals seem to now be content to go without anyone with the official title.The numbers for Tom Clements as OC, QB coachThe resume speaks for itself. Four different QBs have been Pro Bowlers seven times and All-Pros twice.Shrine Game results: 4 draft prospects who stood outKeep an eye on these four players as the draft approaches and see if the Arizona Cardinals show any interest.AFC, NFC title game matchups validate Cardinals’ new philosophyOffense matters in the NFL. Kingsbury might not work out, but the Cardinals have jumped on board with what is the new NFL.
Sean M. Haffey/Getty ImagesLos Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts will be second-guessed by many for his decision to pull a dominant Rich Hill after 91 pitches in Game 4 of the 2018 World Series Yonder Alonso Jersey , but he isn't going to let someone else's opinion affect his game plan.Even if that person is the president of the United States.With Los Angeles attempting to even the series at two games apiece, Hill took a no-hitter into the fifth and allowed just one hit in 6.1 innings of work. However, with a 4-0 lead, Roberts had a quick hook with a runner on base in the seventh.That decision proved costly, as left-hander Scott Alexander came in and walked the lone batter he faced, and Ryan Madson followed by allowing a pinch-hit, three-run home run to Mitch Moreland. Just like that http://www.indiansfanproshop.com/authentic-b.j.-upton-jersey , a four-run lead shrunk to one.All six Dodgers relievers called upon surrendered at least one run, allowing a combined eight as well as one inherited run over the final 2.2 innings, as the Red Sox rallied for a 9-6 victory to take a commanding 3-1 series lead.With Roberts' quick decision backfiring, President Trump decided to weigh in on the matter:Donald J. Trump realDonaldTrumpWatching the Dodgers/Red Sox final innings. It is amazing how a manager takes out a pitcher who is loose amp;amp; dominating through almost 7 innings, Rich Hill of Dodgers, and brings in nervous reliever(s) who get shellacked. 4 run lead gone. Managers do it all the time, big mistake!The 46-year-old Los Angeles skipper was informed of Mr. President's comments after the game."The president said that?" Roberts responded Bradley Zimmer Jersey , per the Boston Herald's Jason Mastrodonato. "I'm happy he was tuning in and watching the game. I don't know how many Dodgers games he watched. I don't think he was privy to the conversation. That one man's opinion."Perhaps Roberts' squad can become the second team in three years to overcome a 3-1 World Series deficit. If so, the two could have the opportunity to discuss the decision in person at the White House. ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — First baseman Justin Bour and the Angels have finalized a $2.5 million, one-year contract, giving Los Angeles depth while Albert Pujols recovers from surgery.Bour can earn an additional $500,000 in performance bonuses based on plate appearances under the deal announced Saturday: $125,000 each for 350 Brandon Guyer Jersey , 400, 450 and 500.The 30-year-old hit 20 homers and drove in 59 runs with the Marlins and Phillies last season. He played 112 of his 141 games with Miami before an August trade to Philadelphia.Bour didn’t find a regular spot with Philadelphia down the stretch. The Phillies wouldn’t have a spot for him this year, either, after moving Rhys Hoskins back to first base and signing corner outfielder Andrew McCutchen to a $50 million, three-year contract during the winter meetings.Bour batted .227, missing time late with an oblique strain. He’s hit 83 home runs over the last four years.He earned $3.4 million last season after beating Miami in salary arbitration, and then became a free agent last month when Philadelphia didn’t offer a 2019 contract.Pujols http://www.indiansfanproshop.com/authentic-b.j.-upton-jersey , who turns 39 next month, is working back from surgery on his left knee and right elbow and hasn’t yet swung a bat. He had season-ending knee surgery in August followed by the elbow procedure in September to remove bone spurs.He’s likely to see more games at designated hitter while two-way star Shohei Ohtani recovers from Tommy John surgery.
SEATTLE (AP) — Reliever Hunter Strickland and the Seattle Mariners have finalized a $1.3 million Chris Owings Jersey , one-year contract.Strickland can earn $450,000 in performance bonuses for games as part of the deal announced Sunday: $75,000 for 25, $100,000 for 34, $125,000 for 45 and $150,000 for 50.He can make an additional $875,000 for games finished: $50,000 for 20, $175,000 for 30, $250,000 for 40 and $400,000 for 50.The 30-year-old right-hander spent the last five seasons with San Francisco http://www.diamondbacksfanproshop.com/authentic-zack-greinke-jersey , going 14-14 with a 2.91 ERA. He was 3-5 with a 3.97 ERA last year with 14 saves in 18 chances.Strickland became a free agent when San Francisco failed to offer a contract by the Nov. 30 deadline.Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto says Strickland “has the ability and the track record to be an impact reliever in high-leverage situations” for the team.Strickland broke the pinky finger of his pitching hand when he punched a door after allowing three runs and blowing a save against Miami on June 18. He did not return until Aug. 18.Strickland jawed with Kansas City catcher Salvador Perez during Game 2 of the 2014 World Series and in 2017 threw at Washington’s Bryce Harper three years after Harper homered off Strickland in the 2014 NLDS.To clear a roster spot, right-hander Max Povse was designated for assignment. With a lot of holes to fill this offseason, you’re probably asking yourself: how much do the Angels have to spend in free agency? This post is to figure out just that."Projecting payroll and average annual value (AAV) is important as the two are both functions of population size and density, team quality, team enthusiasm, unemployment, consumer wages, and consumer confidence, among other factors. While the AAV is used for luxury tax calculations, and teams receive fines and penalties for exceeding the luxury tax threshold (which is $206 million this year), the actual figure is incredibly important as it represents how much money is spent on the roster each year. It is important to remember that major league baseball is a business first, and businesses lose money if they incur more costs than they generate in revenue. As for this year’s data, Jeff Fletcher, a team beat writer with the Orange County Register, maintains an updated spreadsheet which has the team’s AAV for luxury tax purposes at $144 Curt Schilling Jersey ,152,381. By adjusting that figure for how much players will actually make (recall that AAV is simply the average amount per year that a player makes, and frontloading or backloading the contract makes the actual amount vary from the AAV) by adding in players on the 40-man roster ($2.25M) and estimated player benefits ($14.5M), we arrive at an actual payroll that would clock in at $161,500,000 if no changes are made to the roster. While accurately predicting the exact year-end payroll of a given year is a crapshoot, the best we can do is evaluate past year-end payrolls and revise payroll accordingly based on the changes that have occurred. Cot’s Contracts is a big help here, as they have the past five years of the team’s actual baseball payroll data; they have luxury tax calculations on their site, too. Angels payroll, 2013-2017YearYear-end payrollPayroll rankYearYear-end payrollPayroll rankThroughout this time, you’ll also see that the Angels find themselves in the mid-to-upper tier of teams, not wealthy enough to exceed the luxury tax threshold on a consistent basis yet having the funds to stay competitive. There are several reasons for the payroll increase over the last five years: most prominent of those are the backloading of the contracts of Albert Pujols, Josh Hamilton, Jered Weaver, and Mike Trout. While 2018 year-end numbers have not yet been published http://www.diamondbacksfanproshop.com/authentic-zack-greinke-jersey , I foresee this to be in the mid to high-170 million dollar range, due to not having spent much money during the season, trading away Ian Kinsler and Martin Maldonado at the trade deadline, and adding in player benefits and 40-man roster expenses. So long as the Angels are competitive throughout the season, which I expect to be the case as the Mariners are looking to “reshape” their roster and the 25-man roster isn’t hit with the bubonic plague, I expect the organization to be in the $188-193 million range in actual payroll, due to several factors: (1) increased pressure to win now, due to the perhaps dwindling future presence of Mike Trout, (2) high stadium attendance and booming sales figures of team store items, (3) international interest in the organization (thanks to both Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout), and (4) strong consumer confidence which bodes well for discretionary-income-centric businesses such as professional sports organizations. To be conservative in each of the staff’s general manager scenarios over the next several weeks, we will be using $190 million as the actual payroll, which means the organization would have an all-encompassing additional $28.5 million to spend this winter. Celebrate responsibly.
CLEVELAND (AP) — Carlos Carrasco’s stretch of dominant pitching has come at a perfect time for the Cleveland Indians.Carrasco pitched seven scoreless innings and moved into a tie for the AL lead with his 15th win http://www.stlouiscardinalsteamshop.com/authentic-marcell-ozuna-jersey , Jose Ramirez hit his 37th home run and Cleveland beat the Baltimore Orioles 2-1 on Friday night.Carrasco (15-6) allowed three hits, struck out six and retired his final 10 hitters. The right-hander is tied with teammate Corey Kluber, New York’s Luis Severino and Boston’s Rick Porcello for most wins in the league.“Any time you send a guy out there and you feel like you’ve got a good chance to win, that’s a good feeling,” Indians manager Terry Francona said.Carrasco’s hot streak takes on more significance since fellow starter Trevor Bauer will miss four to six weeks with a stress fracture in his right leg. He was hit by a line drive last week.Carrasco has been nearly unbeatable since coming off the disabled list last month after being hit on the elbow by a line drive on June 16. He’s 7-1 in his last nine appearances, allowing 10 earned runs with 64 strikeouts in 52 innings.“Nobody wants to go on the DL, but I’m glad I went on the DL to fix some little things,” Carrasco said. “That’s what it takes sometimes, two or three weeks. At this point I feel fine. I can’t wait to start pitching every five days.”Ramirez’s first-inning homer tied him with Boston’s J.D. Martinez, who entered Friday with the major league lead.Cleveland has won six straight and is a season-high 19 games over .500 (70-51).Orioles manager Buck Showalter is impressed with how the Indians are playing.“That’s why they are in first place,” he said. “They are one of the best clubs in baseball and they got a great guy in Terry who knows how to use the weapons.”Rookie right-hander David Hess (2-7) allowed two runs in six innings for the Orioles. Trey Mancinci’s RBI single in the eighth scored the only run for Baltimore, which has lost 11 of 13.Cody Allen walked Renato Nunez with one out in the ninth. Pinch-runner Craig Gentry stole second before Tim Beckham flied out. Allen struck Joey Rickard for his 24th save in 27 chances.“That’s what you call holding on for dear life,” Francona said.Both starters worked out of bases-loaded jams. Carrasco struck out Rickard to finish the fourth while Hess struck out Yonder Alonso to end the third.“That is something that gives you confidence not only to throw that pitch, but for that pitch to be called to begin with,” Hess said. “That was a big spot.”Orioles outfielder Adam Jones was placed on the bereavement list Friday and is expected to rejoin the team Monday in Toronto.HALL OF FAMERSThe Indians will honor Hall of Famer Jim Thome on Saturday in a pregame ceremony during which they are expected to retire his No. 25.The team wouldn’t offer confirmation, but a tarp is covering the box in the upper deck in right field between the retired numbers of Indians players who are also in the Hall of Fame — Bob Lemon (No. 21) and Larry Doby (No. 14).Thome was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame last month and holds the franchise record with 337 home runs.Prior to Friday’s game, the Indians honored Sheldon Ocker, the 2018 winner of the J.G. Taylor Spink Award. Ocker covered the team for 33 years for the Akron Beacon Journal.MARTIN UPDATEFrancona and several Indians players visited outfielder Leonys Martin at the Cleveland Clinic on Thursday. Martin is recovering from a life-threatening bacterial infection and has been hospitalized for over a week.“He was sitting up in a chair Whitey Herzog Jersey ,” Francona said. “He looked really good. And he wanted everybody to know he appreciates all the thoughts and everything. It was really uplifting to see him like that.”TRAINER’S ROOMOrioles: Gentry (left rib fracture) was activated from the 10-day disabled list before the game.Indians: Francona said it’s questionable if DH Edwin Encarnacion (right hand contusion) will come off the 10-day DL on Wednesday, the first day he’s eligible. Encarnacion is also dealing with a strained left biceps.UP NEXTOrioles RHP Alex Cobb (3-15, 5.31) has allowed three earned in 20 innings over his last three starts and will pitch Saturday. RHP Adam Plutko (4-2, 4.75) will be called up from Triple-A Columbus. The Cincinnati Reds are relevant for the first time in a long time. Fans should take a moment to enjoy this new reality."WhiteFanposts Fanshots Sections Farmers onlyFeaturesPlayoffsHistory/Hall of FameHey Reds’ Fans, Enjoy the MomentNew,42commentsThe Cincinnati Reds are relevant for the first time in a long time. Fans should take a moment to enjoy this new reality. ESTShareTweetShareShareHey Reds’ Fans, Enjoy the MomentThe Cincinnati Enquirer-USA TODAOver the weekend, it was hard to ignore the fact that there are already some negative or worrying storylines around the Reds early in Spring Training. Plenty of fans are concerned that Nick Senzel won’t be on the Opening Day roster signaling that the team has motives more important than putting the best product on the field. Marty is in mid-season form knocking Cody Reed’s development from last season (after seeing him pitch for all of...one inning). There’s still hand wringing over whether the front office should have done more for the roster this offseason. It seemed as if everywhere you looked, there were concerns with this baseball team.Not only that, but someone might realistically look at the NL Central and conclude that even with all of the upgrades the Reds made, they’re still likely looking up at three other teams in this division. The Cubs are still the Cubs, the Cardinals added two of the best players in baseball, and Milwaukee got even better after a surprising 2018. Even if Cincinnati is better than they’ve been the past few years, it’s probably not enough to crack the top half of the division.A fan could easily look at 2019 and be frustrated by what they see ahead. There will be continued questioning of the front office, continue criticism of the players by Marty, and in all likelihood, a sixth-straight season without a post-season appearance by the Reds. How’s that for putting a damper on a season that hasn’t even gotten started yet?However, during this first week of March http://www.stlouiscardinalsteamshop.com/authentic-marcell-ozuna-jersey , every Reds’ fan should slow down, take a deep breath, and enjoy the moment we’re in right now. Not simply because Spring Training is a time to dream about what could be, but because the Cincinnati Reds are about to put the most interesting product on the field that we’ve seen since 2013. That’s reason enough to enjoy this moment fans find themselves in right now.Before the promise of spring gives way to the dog days of summer, we need to take a second and enjoy:The fact that over the past two weeks, we’ve watched a major league player lick a bunch of baseball bats, sing in his car, go to a Super Bowl party, walk around downtown Cincinnati in the most entertaining way possible, and genuinely seem happy to be a Red. Some fans might have concerns with his potential on-field production, even though he’s coming off of one of his better offensive seasons in recent years, but it’s hard to ignore the fact that Yasiel Puig is simply an entertaining person to have around. If wins are going to be hard to come by, at least be fun to watch. Puig goes a long way toward making that a possibility for Reds’ fans this season.There are lots of things that could go wrong, but this front office has assembled the deepest and most talented group of pitchers that have been on this roster since the Reds’ recent playoff runs. Nothing ever works out perfectly in baseball, but a rotation featuring Gray, Wood, Castillo, Roark Orlando Cepeda Jersey , and DeSclafani has the potential to be competitive every single day this season. Sure, injuries could happen. Someone from that group will likely underperform, but for the first time in years a pitching rotation has been assembled that doesn’t automatically mean the team is losing games three out of every five days. That’s improvement, and it adds that much more hope to 2019.We get to watch Joey Votto play baseball for another year.That we’re witnessing the blossoming of a star in Eugenio Suarez. Yes, he stumbled down the stretch last season, but there are plenty of signs that what we witnessed last season wasn’t simply a lucky couple of months. Suarez has shown real development as a hitter, and if he takes another step forward in 2019, Cincinnati could have a middle-of-the-order multiple time All-Star on their hands...all for the price of Alfredo Simon.There are plenty of other things to enjoy right now. The coming of Nick Senzel. The electric arm of Raisel Iglesias. The name recognition and star power that players like Matt Kemp have brought to Cincinnati. For the first time in a long time, the baseball world is talking about the Reds, for reasons other than an inept pitching staff. This is a solid major league roster with plenty of positive storylines to go around heading in to 2019.Could this season go wildly wrong? Of course it could, this is baseball. But for the moment, let’s stop and enjoy what we have right now. That’s not to say there aren’t issues that we should be worried about, but on the first week of March in 2019 the Cincinnati Reds have taken steps forward, and they’re going to put a better product on the field than they have in years. Let’s not forget to take a moment, sit back, and enjoy where we are right now, because right now is pretty good.
ATLANTA — The Atlanta Braves have built a 7 1/2-game lead in the National League East thanks to 42-21 record within the division and a 45-30 overall road record — the best in the league.Now the Braves (82-64) can wrap up the division title by turning SunTrust Park into a real home-field advantage during their final homestand beginning Friday night. Atlanta Anthony Rizzo Jersey , just 37-34 in its home ballpark, welcomes Washington and St. Louis for three games each, then Philadelphia for four games before playing the final week of the regular season on the road against the New York Mets and Phillies.Article continues below ...Just a few weeks ago, it looked like the NL East race might go right to the wire. But the Phillies (74-71) fell on hard times and the Nationals (74-73) didn’t get things turned around quite fast enough.“We’ve worked hard to get to this point,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said Wednesday after his team completed a 6-1 road trip by allowing just three total runs in a three-game sweep at San Francisco. “We’ve grinded through things to get to this position. We can look to bigger things now.”The Braves’ magic number for clinching the division title with 16 games to go is 10 versus the second-place Phillies and eight versus Washington, which fell 8 1/2 games behind with a 4-3 loss in 10 innings to the Chicago Cubs on Thursday in a makeup game at home. The Braves are 5-2 at home and 9-7 overall against the Nationals, who will pitch defending two-time NL Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer in the series opener. He is 17-6 with a 2.31 ERA and leads the major leagues with 271 strikeouts.Fellow right-hander Kevin Gausman will get the start for Atlanta, which lost at least 90 games each of the past three seasons before turning things around this season. He is 9-10 with a 3.89 ERA overall but 4-2 with a 2.32 ERA since being acquired by the Braves at the end of July. Scherzer is coming into his fifth start of the season against Atlanta off his second complete game of the season. Gausman will face the Nationals for the first time with the Braves after his shortest outing for his new team.Gausman lasted just 4 2/3 innings and allowed four runs in a loss at Arizona a day before Scherzer struck out 11 in nine innings in a home victory over the Chicago Cubs.“I had plenty in the tank,” Scherzer said after reaching double-figure strikeouts for the 16th time this season.Scherzer is 2-1 with a 1.67 ERA and 30 strikeouts in 27 innings against Atlanta this season, improving to 9-6 with a 3.45 ERA in 21 career games versus the Braves.Gausman is 3-1 with a 4.34 ERA in five career outings against Washington, all while with Baltimore. He allowed four hits and two runs in six innings of a no-decision against the Nationals for the Orioles in June.Braves third baseman Johan Camargo is nursing a slight groin strain, but fill-in Charlie Culberson has flourished against the Nationals this season, batting .350 (14-for-40) with five homers and eight RBIs. Culberson has four hits, including a homer, in 10 at-bats against Scherzer. Most of the news stepped aside so that we can all discuss HoF voting."WhiteFanposts Fanshots Sections Angels PregameAngels PostgameGamethreadsHalos Heaven PodcastsShohei OhtaniMinor LeaguesInterviewsHALOLINKSHumpLinks: Holy Hall! Fame is Fleeting.New,85commentsMost of the news stepped aside so that we can all discuss HoF voting.PSTShareTweetShareShareHumpLinks: Holy Hall! Fame is Fleeting.Boom! The Curse is over, and now we can all go forward rationally. Mariano Rivera was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame yesterday with 100% of the votes submitted. Whew! I suppose it was inevitable, since the old guard is retiring, dying off, getting religion http://www.chicagocubsteamshop.com/authentic-david-ross-jersey , etc. But it feels good, nonetheless. Now we can stop talking about THAT. And, even more fun, it came on behalf of a relief pitcher. Relief pitchers are still subject to more than a little doubt as to even being a legit player category.Three other players were elected along with ex-Yankee Rivera. Ex-Yankee Mike Mussina, Ex-Toronto Blue Jay Yankee Killer Roy Halladay, and ex-Mariner who never really struggled with Yankee pitching or Yankee Stadium (and my favorite selection) Edgar Martinez. Congratulations to all of them, and a posthumous congratulation to Halladay and his family.Barry Bonds was at 59.1% and Roger Clemens at 59.5%, which are slightly up from 2018. The clock ticks but they are overshadowing the remaining candidates by a ever widening margin. The full percentage list is here.....Vernon Wells, to save you the click, got zero votes.But, really, Placido Polanco?Onward we go with Now-Trout-Can-Be-Unanimous-HaloLinks:A Little Bit Of Angels NewsParker Bridwell, MLB’s 2018-2019 most traveled ping pong, has been claimed off the Billy Eppler waiver wire by the Oakland A’s. This might be his final resting spot, where we get to see him against us a dozen times this year...........Tyler Skaggs is tired of having frequent flyer points riding the injury bus, and is working with a new training partner and regimen. The good news is that he is being active in this effort, well into a year now. The bad news is that this is NOT a pro-active effort, since the injury plague is all too familiar to him already. And the worst news is that the LAA training and medical staffs have not had such motion and range coaching in place all along as a baseline..........Everywhere In BaseballJust to remind you how pro athletes are normal folk at their core, just like you and me, Yadier Molina needs a silly joke from Kris Bryant to motivate him this year...until he finds a better motivator. Not only will he not let go of the Bryant off-the-cuff joke about St. Louis being boring Andre Dawson Jersey , but now he is promising to take it onto the field of play against the Cubs. Like, what, call for his pitcher to throw inside to Bryant in a game??...........I struggle to even give linkage to this, because I can’t be seen as giving any credence to the notion that Aaron Judge is the best RF in MLB at the same time that MLB has a Mookie Betts, the same Betts that is given serious cred for being as good, if not better, than Mike Trout. But that is what MLB Network did earlier this week, claiming that Judge was MLB’s #1 RF. Brian Kenny could not bring reason to the conversation. But MLB Network, as a media empire, did its job. It has stirred the pot, creating lots of opportunity for content between the media base and fan base of both New York and Boston...........In a sport loaded with millions of rules to control the game, at a time when the fan and media culture insist on the importance of accuracy and detail to the extent that every event is clean and correctly measured, why does Wrigley Field still have it’s outfield walls covered with vegetation?..........Are MLB teams still shedding scouts? Or, rather, are they upgrading/modernizing their scouting personnel?...........I am not very convinced that the Padres really really showed their financial position here. Some good info, but lots of spin and lots of blanks that are not going to be filled in..........And, in the spirit of baseball financial theory, what would it take for a Jeff Bezos to buy up all of MLB?..........Hot StoveMeh, here we are still in the rumor stages of the Manny Machado and Bryce Harper off-season sagas. Raise your hands, how many are with me that the Arte Moreno approach of giving an agent/player a deadline to decide whether or not to take a deal on the table is the way to go? Teams are run like businesses Ron Santo Jersey , yeah, and one of the benefits of organizing that way is that business processes enabling planning and forecasting. waiting for landing the whale, and aggressively pursue the school of tuna that would be all the other FA’s still on the market. And, going forward, players and agents are put on notice that I am open to paying out large contracts, but I won’t be dragged by the nose all the way out to Februarys...........The Cardinals are going to make a run at signing Paul Goldschmidt long-term. This would be bad, because it takes another guy off the annual winter FA map and gives everybody a reason to whine............The Rangers may have found their replacement for retiring Adrian Beltre. They signed infielder Asdrubal Cabrera to a 1-year, $3.5 million deal. His career splits don’t show him to be a major problem for the Halos..........FanGraphs gifts us this lovely smackdown of the Rangers in the title of their review..........The Rangers also signed Zach McAllister. 1-year, $1 million. Not bad for a bullpen guy getting dumped and/or pigeon-holed by three separate teams last season.........And Nick Markakis is staying in Atlanta, signing a deal with the Braves for $4 million. You are probably going to be surprised to read this, but the term is for 1 year..........The Dodgers are still trying to uncork JT Realmuto out of Florida, now that they need a front-line catcher..........Which speaks to the weirdness. Why are the Dodgers so silent, especially after going backwards with the on-field talent that got them to the WS the past 2 seasons? You would think that they would have felt really close going into the off-season, maybe one guy away from putting them over the top...........The Duffle BagThe best use of bobbleheads I have tripped across in a while. Vin Scully into the stratosphere............Gleyber Torres nearly makes the Stupid Spring Non-Baseall Injury List of 2019..........Milwaukee losing some flavor, as their baseball stadium won’t be named after beer any longer. Starting in 2021 Miller Park will become American Family Insurance (something)..........Only slightly OT, but a medical marijuana advocacy commercial will NOT be making it into the Super Bowl commercial showcase..........Why does Mike Francesca have a job in the world of sports????
Over bettors (5-0) have seen green in every one of Yovani Gallardo's starts this season http://www.tigersfanproshop.com/authentic-joe-jimenez-jersey , but Gallardo pitches well in Texas.Cleveland's Mike Clevinger has been dominant on the road, and in afternoon games.Last night’s Giants-Athletics Under 7.5 bet turned into quite the adventure. It looked like the game would wrap up 3-2 in the ninth after a swinging strike three, but the ball got away from catcher Josh Phegley, and after controversial RBI double, things were suddenly very uncomfortable. Luckily Oakland dodged the bad beat by winning it with a knock in the bottom of the 11th. Now on to Sunday…Zylbert’s 2018 MLB Over/Under Betting Record: 64-41-3, +18.8 unitsYesterday’s Result: Giants-Athletics Under 7.5 (WIN)*Each bet graded as if it were to win 1 unit>> Follow Matt Zylbert in The Action Network App to get free alerts on all his MLB bets during the season.Cleveland Indians at Texas RangersOver/Under: 11.5First Pitch: 3:05 p.m. ETProbable Pitchers: Mike Clevinger (7-5, 3.47 ERA) vs. Yovani Gallardo (3-1, 8.60 ERA)Since joining the Rangers and entering their starting rotation in mid-June, Yovani Gallardo has been a boon for ‘over’ bettors, churning out a perfect 5-0 record in his starts this season. Furthermore, each of his assignments has seen the final outcome tally at least 12 runs, as the former Milwaukee Brewer has produced only one quality start within that span.Get The EdgeLIMITED TIME OFFER - 60% OFFUnlock this article + all the EDGE benefitsTRY EDGE TODAYNow accepting&Already an EDGE member? The 2018 Major League Baseball All-Star Game has the potential to belong to the top hitters in the sport.Both starting lineups are chock full of impressive sluggers, but the American League has a distinct advantage on paper.When it comes to the starting pitchers Jose Iglesias Jersey , you couldn't ask for a better matchup, and it's one we've seen in the past.A year ago at Marlins Park, the American League squeezed out a 2-1 victory in 10 innings to extend its winning streak to five games.While most of the scores in recent years have been low, that trend could easily be changed by stars in each starting lineup.Starting PitchersMax Scherzer, National LeagueThe identity of the National League starting pitchers was never really in question.Given the year Max Scherzer's had for the Washington Nationals, it was an easy call for NL manager Dave Roberts to make, as the right-handed hurler has an opportunity to shine in front of his home fans, just like Bryce Harper did during Monday's Home Run Derby.In 20 starts in 2018, Scherzer is 12-5 with a 2.41 ERA, 0.899 WHIP and 182 strikeouts, a combination of statistics few across the majors can match.Roberts kept it simple when describing his decision to start Scherzer Monday, per MLB.com's Mark Feinsand:Mark Feinsand FeinsandDave Roberts on choosing Max Scherzer to start: 鈥淚t鈥檚 his city. It鈥檚 his ballpark.鈥淪cherzer will be opposed by Boston's Chris Sale, who he faced a year ago in the All-Star Game at Marlins Park.Scherzer and Sale are the only the second pair of pitchers to start the All-Star Game in back-to-back years Denny McLain Jersey , per ESPN Stats and Info:ESPN Stats amp; Info ESPNStatsInfoChris Sale and Max Scherzer will start the MLB All-Star Game for the second year in a row. Its the second time in All-Star Game history that the same pitchers started consecutive years, joining Red Ruffing and Paul Derringer in 1939-40. bPZnQzt15BChris Sale, American LeagueOnly one person could outdo the achievementScherzer earned, and that's Sale, who is taking the mound first for the AL for the third straight year.The left-handed pitcher from the Boston Red Sox is the first hurler to start three straight All-Star Games since Robin Roberts achieved the feat from 1953 to '55, per MLB Stat of the Day:MLB Stat of the Day MLBStatoftheDayChris Sale is the first pitcher to start the #AllStarGame for three straight seasons since Robin Roberts (1953-55). 4QzEtD9ysRIn his two All-Star starts, the 29-year-old conceded one run, which came on a home run by Kris Bryant in the first inning of the 2016 contest.Although you could make an argument for another player to start for the AL, Sale is deserving of the honor once again, as he boasts a 10-4 record with a 2.23 ERA, 0.899 WHIP and 188 strikeouts.The key for both Scherzer and Sale will be setting the tone for the rest of their respective pitching staffs.Each of the last five All-Star Games, all won by the AL, failed to reach 10 combined runs http://www.tigersfanproshop.com/authentic-joe-jimenez-jersey , which means more emphasis is on the finer details of the game, and if Sale is able to shut down the NL for one or two innings, it'll be the perfect start for the team managed by Houston's A.J. Hinch. Starting LineupsMLB MLBThese lineups are STACKED. Which squad has the edge? X9GwbKq7JdThe AL lineup is by far the more dominant one on paper at this year's All-Star Game.Among the nine batters are the league leaders in batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, home runs, RBI, extra-base hits and WAR.With Mookie Betts and Jose Altuve at the start of the order, the AL has the perfect pair of players to get on base for the impressive collection of sluggers behind them.Two-time All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Mike Trout bats third, while J.D. Martinez and Jose Ramirez, who are tied for the MLB home run lead, follow the starting center fielder.If that isn't impressive enough, Aaron Judge and Manny Machado have the potential to pack more power before Jose Abreu and Salvador Perez turn over the order back to the leadoff men.The NL starting nine isn't terrible Kirk Gibson Jersey , but it fails to compare to what the AL brings to the plate, and it also feels like an odd order with Harper hitting sixth.Javier Baez and Nolan Arenado should bring some pop to the plate to start the game, but it feels strange to see the Home Run Derby champion wait until the sixth spot to bat, even if he's struggling at the plate this season.Although there are a few sluggers in the NL lineup, the senior circuit starters might be better suited to manufacture runs through Paul Goldschmidt, Freddie Freeman and Matt Kemp.On paper, it appears the AL is in the best shape to tack on runs early, but given the recent scores of the All-Star Game, the power might not be on display in each of the nine innings.Follow Joe on Twitter, JTansey90.Statistics obtained from Baseball Reference.
DETROIT (AP) — Leonys Martin capped a successful return to Detroit with another fine day at the plate.Martin had three hits http://www.indiansfanproshop.com/authentic-b.j.-upton-jersey , including a solo home run in the third inning, and the Cleveland Indians beat the Detroit Tigers 4-0 on Thursday. Shane Bieber allowed three hits in seven innings for the Indians, who have won six of seven after taking two of three in this series.Martin, who played 78 games for Detroit before being traded to Cleveland last season, went 5 for 11 with two homers and a double in the series.“I really like Comerica Park to play,” Martin said. “This is a big park, but at the same time, feel really good in Comerica Park. It’s not about the field. I just go to home plate every single at-bat to do my best.”Bieber (1-0) struck out six with one walk, improving to 8-0 on the road in his young career. Martin and Carlos Santana had three hits apiece for the Indians.“I thought we chased some pitches, but their guy was doing a lot of good things,” Tigers manager Ron Gardenhire said. “He spun it well and he moved it around on us, and when we hit the ball hard Bradley Zimmer Jersey , we hit it right at somebody.”Spencer Turnbull (0-2) allowed three runs in four innings.Turnbull struck out the game’s first two hitters before Jake Bauers singled, stole second and scored on Santana’s single.“It’s frustrating, because I could have been out of that inning with a little luck, but you have to flush that out of your mind and keep pitching,” Turnbull said. “I felt like I didn’t give us much of a chance to win the game, and that’s something that’s going to bother me for the rest of the day. After that, I have to start getting ready for my next start.”Martin made it 2-0 with his homer, then added an RBI single in the fourth. Santana hit an RBI single in the seventh.Turnbull got some help in the third when left fielder Dustin Peterson made a spectacular diving catch on the warning track.THE ELEMENTSIt was 43 degrees at game time, and the official attendance for this weekday afternoon matchup was just 13,910.“It’s not a fun day to play baseball,” Indians manager Terry Francona said. “It’s a little better when you’re winning.”At one point, Tigers reliever Blaine Hardy lost his hat during a pitch Brandon Guyer Jersey , and it blew back behind the mound.TRAINER’S ROOMIndians: Chris Antonetti, Cleveland’s president of baseball operations, said SS Francisco Lindor (right calf) is making progress. “He’s at the point of being able to do everything baseball-wise, from taking groundballs to taking batting practice,” Antonetti said. “It’s just a question of those more aggressive movements and turns. That’s a next step.” … Antonetti said 2B Jason Kipnis (right calf) could join the team on this trip. He said RHP Danny Salazar (right shoulder) is able to throw off a mound, and he hopes Salazar can be an option for the Indians later this season. … Cleveland plans to start RHP Jefry Rodriguez on Saturday after a back problem sidelined RHP Mike Clevinger.Tigers: OF Nicholas Castellanos missed the game with a toe injury. … Detroit reinstated OF JaCoby Jones (left shoulder) from the injured list and designated OF Mikie Mahtook for assignment. Mahtook went hitless in 23 at-bats for the Tigers this year.UP NEXTIndians: Cleveland heads to Kansas City, where Carlos Carrasco (1-1) starts for the Indians against Brad Keller (1-1) in Friday night’s series opener.Tigers: Detroit’s game at Minnesota on Friday night already has been postponed because of expected snow. It will be made up as part of a split doubleheader on May 11th. The Tigers plan to start RHP Tyson Ross (1-1) on Saturday against the Twins, weather permitting. MILWAUKEE (AP) — Kiké Hernandez had a daunting challenge.Down to his final strike with two outs against All-Star Josh Hader, Hernandez lined a three-run homer over the left field wall to lift the Los Angeles Dodgers over the Milwaukee Brewers 5-3 on Friday night.Hernandez sprinted around the bases and slapped high fives at home plate with teammates A.J. Pollock and David Freese, who had drawn walks off Hader ahead of him. Dodgers’ players and coaches mobbed Hernandez as he returned to the dugout.They had reason to celebrate.Hader had never given up a home run on an 0-2 pitch. Prior to Hernandez’s long ball, batters were 0 for 10 with nine strikeouts when faced with 0-2 counts against Hader this season.“I saw a fastball at the top of the strike zone that I got on top of and I hit a line drive and it went out of the ballpark,” Hernandez said.Hernandez knows the difficulty in facing Hader.“(The ball) gets there quick http://www.indiansfanproshop.com/authentic-b.j.-upton-jersey ,” Hernandez said. “He does a really good job of hiding it. He’s got an unorthodox wind-up. He’s very aggressive. His hair is flowing everywhere.”Hader (0-1) offered a blunt assessment of the costly pitch and his lack of command.“It was up where I wanted it, but I wanted it to be more in and I just left it out over (the plate),” Hader said. “I didn’t set myself up too good to execute. I made mistakes and I paid for it.”The win is the sixth in a row for the Dodgers. The Brewers have lost a season-high three straight.Five Dodgers relievers combined to limit Milwaukee to one run over the final 4 1/3 innings. Pedro Baez (1-1) got the win and Kenley Jensen got the last three outs for his seventh save.The Brewers immediately jumped on starter Ross Stripling. Lorenzo Cain led off the first with a single for his 1,000th career hit. Christian Yelich then lofted a 408-foot homer into the second deck in right, his major league-leading 11th of the season, to stake Milwaukee to a 2-0 lead.Yelich’s blast tied the franchise record for home runs in March and April set by Eric Thames in 2017.The Dodgers cut the lead to 2-1 in the second on Alex Verdugo’s run-scoring double off Jhoulys Chacin. Cody Bellinger’s sacrifice fly in the third tied the score.After Hernandez’s homer put Los Angeles ahead, Eric Thames hit a solo shot off Joe Kelly in the bottom of the eighth to pull the Brewers to 5-3.Chacin gave up five hits and two runs in five innings, while Stripling lasted 4 2/3 innings and surrendered four hits and two runs.BURNES SENT TO MINORSCorbin Burnes, a key member Milwaukee’s vaunted bullpen last season, was optioned to Triple-A San Antonio. Burnes was 7-0 with a 2.61 in 30 appearances in 2018 but has struggled since being inserted into the starting rotation this season, allowing an MLB-leading 11 home runs. The Brewers recalled LHP Donnie Hart, who allowed just one run in six innings for San Antonio.“I’ll make two or three starts and just try to get back on track Josh Tomlin Jersey ,” Burnes said.TRAINER’S ROOMDodgers: LHP Rich Hill (left knee MCL strain) will make a rehab start Monday at either Triple-A Oklahoma City or Double-A Tulsa. “It’s contingent on weather,” manager Dave Roberts said. … C Russell Martin (lower back inflammation) could be activated from the injured list when the team returns to Los Angeles for a three-game series against Pittsburgh starting April 26.Brewers: Cain was hit by a pitch in the upper left arm, but he remained in the game. … RHP Jake Petricka was optioned to Triple-A San Antonio. … RHP Alex Wilson was reinstated from the paternity list.UP NEXTDodgers: Hyun-Jin Ryu (2-0, 3.07 ERA) will be activated from the 10-day injured list (strained left groin) and start on Saturday. Ryu made his only career appearance against the Brewers on May 22, 2013, in Milwaukee. He allowed two runs in 7 1/3 innings to get the win.Brewers: After the game, manager Craig Counsell announced that Chase Anderson (1-0, 4.50) will start on Saturday to fill a hole in the rotation created when Freddy Peralta was placed on the 10-day injured list with a right shoulder issue.
Harry How/Getty ImagesThe celebration continues for the Boston Red Sox.The team clinched their fourth World Series title in the past 14 years on Sunday night with a 5-1 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers http://www.angelsfanproshop.com/authentic-zack-cozart-jersey , and now it's parade time in Boston.Ahead is all you need to know about the parade, including TV and live-streaming information and a route map.Red Sox Championship ParadeDate:Wednesday, Oct. 31Start Time:11 a.m. ET (rain or shine)TV:MLB NetworkLive-Stream:WBZ 4 (Boston's CBS affiliate)Parade RouteThe Boston Globe BostonGlobePlanning on heading to the #RedSox victory parade tomorrow? Here a map of the parade route. z6hUkJIgWL AEQuN8iaTiDetails from Boston.com: "This year's parade route will begin at Fenway Park, then head down Lansdowne Street, take a right on Ipswich Street, and then a left on Boylston Street toTremont Street (opposite the flow of traffic) at Boston Common. The parade then will head straight onto Cambridge Street and finish at New Sudbury Street."ExpectationsThe excitement was already starting to build for the team and players last night:Boston Red Sox RedSoxGnight fam. See you tomorrow at the WORLD SERIES PARADE! 91iO6mE9PqEduardo Nunez EduardoNunez15See you at the parade tomorrow #Boston | Nos vemos en el desfile manana Boston! #HistoryMade #DamageDone redsox WIIfeG7FI0Sandy Leon sandyleon41See you at the parade tomorrow #boston #DAMAGEDONE #RedSoxParade #WorldSeries xjylUxbMOJThere will be no rally at Boston City Hall this time around, just a parade.However, that will still give Red Sox fans a chance to see the iconic duck boats, which were being prepped last night:Once the parade is over Shohei Ohtani Jersey , attention will turn to another busy offseason, starting with a big decision from one of the team's key players.Chris Cotillo ChrisCotilloDavid Price must decide by midnight ET if hell opt out of the remaining four years on his deal or remain with the Red Sox: 8CBtixWBlBWith $127 million left on his deal over the next four years, all signs point to Price opting in. Could we see him announce just that during the parade?Once free agency begins, the focus will be on the likes of Craig Kimbrel, Nathan Eovaldi and Steve Pearce, who could all conceivably be brought back at the right price.For now, it's all about celebrating an amazing 2018 season. A potential National League playoff preview will continue at Chavez Ravine on Tuesday when the Los Angeles Dodgers (59-48) host the Milwaukee Brewers (62-47) as large home favorites at the sportsbooks.The Dodgers lost the series opener 5-2 on Monday as favorites, giving the Brewers the most wins in the NL.MLB betting line: The Dodgers opened as -167 favorites (wager $167 to win $100); the total is at eight runs, according to sportsbooks monitored by OddsShark. (Line updates and matchup report)MLB betting pick Brandon Phillips Jersey , via OddsShark computer: 3.1-3.0, Dodgers (MLB picks on every game)Check out the OddsShark podcast on iTunes or at OddsShark.libsyn.com for more odds information, betting picks and a breakdown of this week's top sports betting news.Why the Brewers can pay on the MLB linesMilwaukee remains one of the most underrated teams in baseball, as they have gone 6-3 since suffering through a season-worst seven-game losing streak. The Brewers ended that skid with a 4-2 home win against Los Angeles on July 21 but still lost two of three to the Dodgers right after the MLB All-Star break.The Brewers are hoping to catch the Chicago Cubs for the lead in the NL Central and wrap up an eight-game West Coast road trip with four in Los Angeles. Wade Miley (1-1, 2.01 ERA) will toe the rubber here, and he is coming off a solid start at the beginning of the trip at San Francisco, allowing two runs and six hits in five innings of an eventual 7-5 Milwaukee victory last Thursday. Why the Dodgers can pay on the MLB linesThe Dodgers are involved in an equally competitive divisional race with the Arizona Diamondbacks, so they cannot afford to lose two in a row to the Brewers. Los Angeles has dropped consecutive games only once since the end of June, and one of those losses was a 16-inning road affair a week ago at the Philadelphia Phillies.Countering Miley on the mound will be Walker Buehler (4-3 Barry Larkin Jersey , 3.92 ERA), who has pitched much better at home than on the road. The 24-year-old has gone 2-2 with a 2.97 ERA at Dodger Stadium, limiting opposing hitters to a .209 batting average there compared to 2-1 with a 5.26 ERA away from home. He has never faced Milwaukee in 20 career games. Smart betting pickLos Angeles is 10-6 in the past 16 meetings, according to the OddsShark MLB Database, but a disappointing 3-5 in the last eight after posting a 7-1 mark in the previous eight. During this recent stretch, the Brewers have beaten the Dodgers three straight times at home, and they will make it four in a row with another upset victory.MLB betting trendsMilwaukee is 4-1 in its last five games.Milwaukee is 4-1 in its last five games on the road.LA Dodgers is 2-4 in its last six games when playing Milwaukee.All MLB odds and betting trends according to Bleacher Report's official odds partner, OddsShark. Check out OddsShark on Twitter and Instagram or head to YouTube for more betting picks and analysis on this week's top games. You can also download the free odds tracker app.
SEATTLE (AP) — The Oakland Athletics clinched their first playoff berth in four years Monday night Bartolo Colon Jersey , earning at least an American League wild card when the Tampa Bay Rays lost to the New York Yankees.Following three straight last-place finishes in the AL West, the A’s found out just a couple of minutes after the first pitch of their game against Seattle that they are in the postseason for the first time since 2014.Tampa Bay’s 4-1 loss to the Yankees eliminated the Rays from playoff contention. Oakland still has an outside shot at overtaking Houston for the division title, but is more likely headed toward a wild-card matchup with the Yankees.The A’s could still host that game. They beat the Mariners 7-3 to remain 1½ games behind the Yankees for the top wild card.Few people imagined the A’s could make the playoffs this season, a young team with few proven stars after finishing 75-87 a year ago. Oakland won only 68 games in 2015 and 69 in 2016.The A’s have the third-lowest payroll among the 30 major league clubs at $78 million for their 40-man roster, ahead of only the White Sox and Rays.Oakland was 34-36 and 11 games behind Seattle in the wild-card race on June 15. The A’s have gone 61-26 since then.“We’ve had some younger players mature and become, for me, stars,” manager Bob Melvin said Monday. “I think the two guys on the corners (third baseman Matt Chapman and first baseman Matt Olson) should win Gold Gloves.“Our defense is night-and-day to what it was and it’s gotten better as the year’s gone along. We’ve gone from last year being one of the worst defenses in the league to now one of the best. Our bullpen has been a strength for us all year. We don’t just rely on one facet. We seem to be able to win in different ways.”Oakland designated hitter Khris Davis leads the majors with a career-high 46 home runs and has 120 RBIs. Davis has hit at least 40 homers and driven in more than 100 runs in each of this three seasons with the Athletics.Blake Treinen is 9-2 and one of the top closers in baseball this season with 37 saves and a 0.80 ERA, the lowest of all major league relievers with at least 75 innings pitched. Opponents have a .091 batting average against him with runners in scoring position.“It’s amazing Jon Niese Jersey ,” Melvin said. “Not only is he doing it closing games, he’s doing it in games when we’re tied and he’s pitching two innings at times. The numbers are absolutely fantastic. I don’t know that I’ve seen numbers like that from any closer in quite some time. He’s meant a lot to this team.”The A’s are the only team in the majors with an undefeated record this season when leading after seven innings (68-0). They have the best record in one-run games at 31-13.Oakland made key moves to bolster the pitching staff via trades over the summer by adding veteran relievers Jeurys Familia and Fernando Rodney and starter Mike Fiers, who is 5-1 with a 2.90 ERA since joining the Athletics.The A’s overcame losing key starters from their rotation down the stretch. That included left-hander Sean Manaea, who pitched a no-hitter on April 21 against Boston and is now done for the year recovering from arthroscopic shoulder surgery that took place this past week.The Athletics are making their fourth playoff appearance in the last seven seasons (all under Melvin) and their 27th postseason appearance all-time. The A’s lost at Kansas City 9-8 in 12 innings in the 2014 wild-card game, the last time Oakland reached the postseason.The last time the A’s reached the World Series was 1990, losing in four games to the Cincinnati Reds. Oakland won the 1989 World Series (which took place during the Bay Area earthquake) in four straight games over the San Francisco Giants. PHOENIX (AP) — Maybe some day, milestone home runs will mean more to Paul Goldschmidt.The Arizona Diamondbacks slugger hit the 200th of his career during a five-run first inning in Arizona’s 6-3 win over the San Francisco Giants Friday night. Goldschmidt, as he often does when it comes to his own stats, downplayed the achievement.“I couldn’t care less Edinson Volquez Jersey ,” Goldschmidt said. “I’m just trying to go out there and help us win.”David Peralta had three hits, including a homer, to help Arizona win without manager Torey Lovullo, who was out with an illness. Peralta has seven hits in his past two games and the Diamondbacks have won five of seven.“Peralta’s been swinging the bat really well for us. It’s nice to see,” said bench coach Jerry Narron, who filled in as manager for Lovullo. “Guys were just trying to be patient, put balls in play and not try to do too much.”The Giants lost catcher Buster Posey to concussion symptoms in the third inning after he took a hard foul tip off his mask in the second. Posey reached first base on the second of two singles, then after seeing a trainer was escorted back to the dugout.San Francisco sent the tying run up to the plate with two outs in the ninth against Diamondbacks closer Brad Boxberger after back-to-back singles by Hunter Pence and Steven Duggar, but pinch hitter Gorkys Hernandez grounded out to end the game.Arizona sent 11 men up in the first inning against Giants starter Chris Stratton (8-7). He allowed six runs on 10 hits and walked four in three innings for his second-shortest start of the season.“When he made a mistake Kendall Graveman Jersey , guys were able to hit it,” Goldschmidt said of the big inning. “Got some good counts there and laid off some tough pitches.”Diamondbacks starter Patrick Corbin (8-4) lasted six innings to get the win. The All-Star left-hander allowed three runs on seven hits and struck out eight.Corbin added a two-out, two-run single in the first. Yoshihisa Hirano, Archie Bradley and Boxberger each threw a scoreless inning, with Boxberger earning his 26th save.“It’s a really good thing if you get to hit in the first,” Corbin said.“Corbin got an 0-2 pitch right down the middle. He has to execute a little bit better there,” Giants manager Bruce Bochy said of Stratton, who has surrendered 19 earned runs in his last three starts. “His stuff is fine. What he needs is some confidence and you just don’t see that right now.”Austin Slater drove in two runs with two singles for the Giants, who saw their four-game winning streak end.GOLD STANDARDGoldschmidt’s drive over the right field fence in the first Jose Canseco Jersey , his 24th of the season, joined him with Luis Gonzalez as the only two Diamondbacks in club history with 200 or more home runs. It was his 95th career home run at Chase Field, matching the stadium record held by Gonzalez.Goldschmidt got the home run ball and said he’ll be keeping it.SAY JAYDiamondbacks right fielder Jon Jay reached into the seats to catch Hunter Pence’s foul ball to open the top of the second inning. Jay snagged the ball ball away from several fans with their arms up, including one with a glove.TRAINER’S ROOMDiamondbacks: LHP Andrew Chafin returned from paternity leave for Friday’s game, and the club optioned IF-OF Chris Owings to Triple-A Reno. Chafin and wife Shelbi are first-time parents of daughter Addilyn, born Wednesday. … IF Deven Marrero (oblique) played in his second rehab game for Reno on Thursday. … There is no timetable on Lovullo’s return though it could be as soon as Saturday.Giants: Posey was feeling better after the game, manager Bruce Bochy said.“He had the (concussion) test done. He got light-headed when he was on first base,” Bochy said. “We will monitor him over night. He will be off (Saturday) but if all goes well he could be in there Sunday.”UP NEXTGiants: LHP Andrew Suarez (4-6) is set to take on the Diamondbacks for the third time this season on Saturday.Diamondbacks: RHP Clay Buchholz (4-1) faces the Giants. He’s allowed three or fewer runs in eight of his nine starts this season.
A look at what’s happening around the majors today:LAST CHAPTERLocked in a tight race for the NL West title http://www.philliesfanproshop.com/authentic-pat-neshek-jersey , the Rockies and Dodgers meet for the final time in the regular season. Los Angeles leads by 1½ games and will go for a three-game sweep at Dodger Stadium when rookie Walker Buehler (7-5, 2.88 ERA) pitches against Tyler Anderson (6-9, 4.82). Colorado could be without slugger Trevor Story again after the All-Star shortstop hurt his right elbow Monday night. Tests showed inflammation but no structural damage, and the Rockies hope Story can return to the lineup in a few days. Story this year became the first shortstop in major league history with at least 40 doubles, 30 home runs and 25 steals in a season.END GAMEAs they pursue a third consecutive NL Central crown, the ninth inning is getting more and more complicated for the Chicago Cubs. The team announced Tuesday that closer Brandon Morrow will be shut down for the rest of the year because of an injured right elbow that’s been slow to heal. Morrow, who leads the Cubs with 22 saves, has been on the disabled list since July 19. Chicago is without its two relievers with the most saves — Pedro Strop has 13 and is out with a hamstring injury. The club hopes he’s ready for the postseason. For now, the Cubs will go with a closer-by-committee.NO CINCH TO CLINCHThe Red Sox try again to wrap up the AL East, which they can do with a win at Yankee Stadium. Boston missed a chance to clinch Tuesday night when it lost 3-2 in the Bronx. Left-hander David Price (15-6, 3.42 ERA) faces struggling New York ace Luis Severino (17-8, 3.46). Price is 5-0 with a 1.56 ERA in nine starts since the All-Star break Mitch Williams Jersey , while Severino has a 6.35 ERA in 10 starts over that same span.LOOK OUT!The always playful Phillie Phanatic might be in revenge mode when Mets star Noah Syndergaard starts at Citizens Bank Park. Syndergaard swiped the Phanatic’s four-wheeler before Tuesday night’s game and drove around the outfield as the mascot chased him on foot. Syndergaard (12-3, 3.26 ERA), who has won three straight starts, faces Zach Eflin (10-7, 4.26). WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Two more aces are expressing concern about how major league teams are playing their cards.Washington right-hander Max Scherzer said Thursday there are too many teams trying not to win, and all the rebuilding “poisons the game.” Houston star Justin Verlander, a former teammate of Scherzer with Detroit, thinks the current economic approach pursued by some teams will continue to drive away fans.“If you’re constantly just going into this win-loss cycle that MLB is pushing you create bandwagon fans and that’s not the type of fans that you want to create,” Scherzer said. “You want to create fans that are following teams year in and year out. It’s up to the fans, honestly, to demand that from the league.”More than 50 free agents are still looking for homes as spring training ramps up in Florida and Arizona. Sluggers Bryce Harper and Manny Machado top the list Dave Cash Jersey , but 2015 AL Cy Young Award winner Dallas Keuchel, super utilityman Marwin Gonzalez and closer Craig Kimbrel also are without a team at the moment.“To me this can only happen in baseball, where teams are making public statements that they don’t want top-notch players.” said Scherzer, a newly elected member of the Major League Baseball Players Association executive subcommittee. “To me that’s a problem within the sport.”Scherzer, who signed a $210 million, seven-year deal with Washington in 2015, praised the Nationals’ front office for its aggressiveness. While Harper remains a free agent, Washington signed pitcher Patrick Corbin to a $140 million, six-year contract as part of its active offseason.But the 34-year-old Scherzer, a three-time Cy Young Award winner who threw Thursday as part of Washington’s first official workout for pitchers and catchers, thinks more teams should be looking for ways to improve.“The one fundamental that’s just unacceptable is the amount of acceptability there is to lose — to not play to win as a whole,” he said. “There’s going to be some teams that are not in a position necessarily try to win the World Series — I understand that. But when you have over a third of the league trying to do that http://www.philliesfanproshop.com/authentic-pat-neshek-jersey , that’s a problem. That’s not OK with the players because every single player puts on a uniform to try to win, so we really have to defer to the fans to demand it.”Verlander, who helped Houston win the 2017 World Series after it emerged from its rebuilding project, also expressed skepticism about what teams are actually trying to do.“I think some organizations are hiding behind the ‘rebuilding’ phrase and really have no intention of doing so,” he said.Verlander, who turns 36 on Wednesday, went 16-9 with a 2.52 ERA in 34 starts last year. He is eligible for free agency after this season and says he intends to pitch until he’s 45.So the slow-moving market is a concern for the seven-time All-Star on multiple levels.“Some of these players that are out there, if you don’t think you’re going to be competitive in the next 10 years, what are you doing here?” Verlander said. “I understand you might say ‘rebuilding’ but there’s only so long you can say that and then you’re just not trying to win. You’re just trying to pocket everything.”
GLENDALE Jon Niese Jersey , Ariz. (AP) — Cleveland Indians third baseman Jose Ramirez bruised his left knee when he fouled a ball off himself Sunday and his status for opening day is uncertain.X-rays on the two-time All-Star were negative. The team said Ramirez will remain in Arizona, and that it will be determined later whether he can play Thursday when the AL Central champions open at Minnesota.The Indians already had a depleted infield when Ramirez was carted from the field after getting hurt against the Chicago White Sox in Cleveland’s final exhibition of the year in Arizona. He wasn’t able to put any pressure on his leg as manager Terry Francona and a trainer helped him onto the cart.The 26-year-old Ramirez hit 39 home runs with 105 RBIs while batting .270 and stealing 34 bases last season. He has finished third in the AL MVP voting in each of the last two seasons.Star shortstop Francisco Lindor is starting the season on the injured list and second baseman Jason Kipnis is expected to miss opening day — both players are recovering after staining their right calf.Earlier in the day, the Indians signed Brad Miller to provide depth.Miller had signed a minor league contract with the Dodgers on Feb. 27. He opted out of it on March 21 and signed a major league deal with the Indians.The Indians cleared a roster spot for Miller by placing pitcher Danny Salazar on the 60-day injured list while he rehabs his right shoulder from surgery.Miller joins Max Moroff and Eric Stamets in the middle infield.“He has a done a lot of damage against right-handed pitching,” Francona said, before the Ramirez injury. “We will mix and match a bit depending how guys are swinging the bat. Our guys did a good job of finding someone who could help us at this late stage of spring. That’s not an easy thing to do.”Miller played with the Rays and Brewers last season, his sixth in the league since he was the Mariners’ second-round pick. He played three seasons with the Mariners before moving on to the Rays.Miller hit .230 in 75 games last season. He has a .239 average with 75 home runs in 680 games. He has played all four infield positions Edinson Volquez Jersey , 375 at shortstop and 156 at second base.The Indians will keep Hanley Ramirez on the opening day roster as a designated hitter and part time first baseman. ATLANTA — The Atlanta Braves swept a three-game series in Pittsburgh last week, holding the Pirates to two total runs.The Braves, though, scored only nine runs themselves, and two of the victories were by one run.The teams meet in a three-game series at Atlanta’s SunTrust Park beginning Friday night with the Braves trying to hold off Philadelphia in the National League East and the Pirates no longer in playoff contention.Article continues below ...Anibal Sanchez (6-5, 3.05 ERA) is the scheduled starter for the Braves in the series opener Kendall Graveman Jersey , with fellow right-hander Jameson Taillon (10-9, 3.49) set to get the starting assignment for the Pirates.The Braves (74-59) saw their lead in the NL East cut to three games over the idle Phillies with a 5-4 loss to the Chicago Cubs in a makeup game Thursday night.It was the Braves’ sixth loss in their past seven home games and left them just 35-30 at SunTrust Park compared to 39-29 away from Atlanta.After losing two of three in St. Louis, the Pirates (65-69) are 12-20 since putting together an 11-game winning streak in July that kindled playoff hopes for the NL Central team. Taillon, who is in his third major-league season, has never faced the Braves, and it has been two years since 13-year veteran Sanchez faced the Pirates Jose Canseco Jersey , against whom he is 3-5 with a 3.62 ERA in eight career starts. Sanchez, 34, lost his two most recent starts, but allowed just nine hits and four runs over 12 1/3 innings against the Colorado Rockies and Miami Marlins.After allowing two hits over five scoreless innings at Miami on Saturday, Sanchez allowed a run in the sixth that put the Braves behind for good. He then left the game with two outs in the sixth with what the Braves termed right hamstring tightness.“He didn’t pop it, didn’t pull it Jed Lowrie Jersey , it was more I think probably a dehydration thing,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said afterward.Sanchez has had no lingering issues with the hamstring, although the injury did throw him off against the Marlins. “In the last hitters, I started thinking I can push my body and that’s why I lost my command,” Sanchez said.Taillon, 26 http://www.athleticsfanproshop.com/authentic-khris-davis-jersey , hasn’t allowed more than three earned runs in a start since May 22 and has a 2.95 ERA in the 16 starts since then.Taillon gave up one run in a victory over Milwaukee in his most recent outing on Saturday, going at least six innings for the sixth straight time and the eighth time in his past nine starts.“I knew the team needed innings,” Taillon said after beating the Brewers. “I enjoy that feeling. When the team needs me, that kind of sparks some extra energy.”Taillon has been especially tough on the road of late, going 6-2 with a 2.44 ERA in his last nine outings away from Pittsburgh.Pittsburgh is 9-18 against the NL East. Atlanta is 15-11 versus the NL Central.
Los Angeles Angels (80-82 Luis Tiant Jersey , fourth in the AL West in 2018) vs. Oakland Athletics (97-65, second in the AL West in 2018)Oakland, California; Thursday, 4 p.m. EDTPITCHING PROBABLES: Angels: Trevor Cahill (0-0, 0.00 ERA) Athletics: Mike Fiers (0-0, 15.00 ERA)BOTTOM LINE: The Oakland Athletics play the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum.The Athletics went 38-38 in division play in 2018. Oakland averaged 8.7 hits with 3.5 extra base hits per game and 227 total home runs last season.The Angels went 38-43 away from home in 2018. Los Angeles hit .242 as a team with three extra base hits per game and 23 total triples last season. The Angels won the season series 10-9 in 2018.Athletics Injuries: Matt Olson: day-to-day (hand).Angels Injuries: Andrew Heaney: day-to-day (elbow inflammation), Justin Upton: day-to-day (toe), Shohei Ohtani: day-to-day (elbow). SAN DIEGO (AP) — Rookie Francisco Mejia is quickly giving the downtrodden San Diego Padres a hopeful glimpse of the future.The 22-year-old hit his first grand slam with two outs in the ninth inning and the rebuilding Padres rallied to beat the Texas Rangers 7-3 Sunday to avoid a three-game sweep in a matchup of last-place teams.It was the first walkoff for Mejia, who was promoted from Triple-A on Sept. 4. The prized catching prospect has hit three homers since then.Mejia was obtained from Cleveland for closer Brad Hand and reliever Adam Cimber on July 19. He is part of the third wave of young talent that has come up since late in the 2016 season, when the Padres turned from a failed win-now approach to rebuilding via the farm system.“It’s a really special moment http://www.redsoxproshops.com/authentic-dustin-pedroia-jersey ,” Mejia said through a translator. “Especially for my career. It’s great.”The switch-hitter, batting right-handed, turned on the first pitch he saw from reliever Jeffrey Springs and drove it to left field.He said he was “looking for a pitch up in the zone, especially with the shadows out there. I wanted to look for a good pitch there and get a good swing on it.”Mejia was doused with a cooler of ice water at the plate and the celebration extended into the clubhouse.Asked what he’ll remember most about the homer, he said it would be “the energy, the moment coming into the clubhouse and having everyone waiting for me there.”Manager Andy Green said Mejia “seems at home with this group of guys. He showed up and everybody welcomed him and brought him into the family, and everybody has enjoyed him. When you’re new to a club you want to come through quick because it makes you feel like a part of it. Clearly he did that in a big way for us today.”Green watched the winning shot from his office after being ejected in the top of the ninth.“I do feel comfortable,” Mejia said. “I think the home runs, those are always going to come. That’s just part of the game. But I do feel comfortable being here and being a part of this team.”Ownership expected the Padres to be better this year than their finish of 71-91 last year, but the Padres are one loss away from matching last year’s win total. They’ve lost at least 90 games for the third straight season and the fourth time in eight years.The Rangers were two outs away from a 3-2 win and a three-game sweep before rookie Franmil Reyes hit a bloop single to right off rookie reliever Jeffrey Springs (0-1) and made way for pinch-runner Travis Jankowski. Freddy Galvis then doubled to left to bring in Jankowski with the tying run.Pinch-hitter A.J. Ellis walked as Galvis took third on a ball four-wild pitch. Cory Spangenberg walked to load the bases and bring up Mejia Tony Conigliaro Jersey , who homered to left on the first pitch he saw.“Things unraveled a little bit just with the walks, but I’ve got to hand it to him,” Banister said about Springs. “The guy’s never been in that situation before. I put him in that situation and I thought he showed a grit throughout the course of an inning.”Green was ejected in the top of the ninth after Robinson Chirinos appeared to hit the ball off the knob of his bat into fair territory. Padres reliever Trey Wingenter fielded the ball and threw to first. After the umps huddled and then went to a video review that lasted four minutes, 50 seconds, Green was ejected for arguing and Chirinos was awarded first on a hit-by-pitch.“I was pretty adamant telling them it’s not a reviewable call, it’s on the field,” Green said. “You have to fix the call on the field. It has to be a fair ball or a hit batter. It can’t be a foul ball. I’m not quite sure how we arrived where we arrived.”The Rangers loaded the bases but failed to score.Kirby Yates (5-3) got the last two outs of the ninth for the win.The Padres had runners on first and third with no outs in the eighth and failed to score.Rangers starter Mike Minor allowed two runs and four hits, struck out seven and walked one. He also doubled. Minor’s only big mistake was allowing Hunter Renfroe’s homer with two outs in the first, his 23rd.Willie Calhoun homered with one out in the second, his second http://www.redsoxproshops.com/authentic-dustin-pedroia-jersey , and Jurickson Profar hit a leadoff shot in the third, his 18th. Both were off Padres rookie Jacob Nix, who also allowed Robinson Chirinos’ RBI single in the sixth.Nix allowed three runs and seven hits in six innings, struck out three and walked one.UP NEXTRangers: RHP Adrian Sampson (0-1, 5.06) is scheduled to make his second start with Texas when it opens a three-game home series against Tampa Bay on Monday night. The Rays will counter with RHP Tyler Glasnow (1-6, 4.48).Padres: RHP Bryan Mitchell (1-3, 6.07) is scheduled to go in the opener of a three-game home series against San Francisco on Monday night, his third start since returning from 1 ½ months on the disabled list. He’s 1-0 with a 1.64 ERA in 11 innings since being reinstated. The Giants will counter with LHP Andrew Suarez (6-11, 4.33).
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Chris Taylor couldn’t have picked a better time to launch his first career walk-off home run.He hit a high-arching http://www.brewersfanproshop.com/authentic-orlando-arcia-jersey , two-strike solo shot to left field in the 10th inning, lifting the Dodgers to a 3-2 victory over the Colorado Rockies that extended Los Angeles‘ NL West lead to 1 ½ games on Tuesday night.“In this tight division race that was big,” said the soft-spoken outfielder who has struggled with his swing this season.Taylor raised his right arm in the air even before he rounded first base, watching the ball sail into the cool evening air off Adam Ottavino (6-4).“I had a pretty good feeling it was going long,” he said.Taylor was mobbed by his teammates at home plate as they bopped up and down in celebration. A day after moving past the Rockies into first place, the five-time defending NL champions matched their largest lead of the season on Taylor’s one-out drive.“He really epitomizes what we’re about as a team,” manager Dave Roberts said. “Being prepared when called upon. It couldn’t happen to a better teammate.”The Dodgers won the series opener 8-2 on homers by Joc Pederson and Max Muncy.Dylan Floro (6-3) led a stellar bullpen effort, getting the win by striking out two in the 10th.Dodgers starter Clayton Kershaw gave up two runs and three hits in seven innings. He walked five and struck out three while struggling with his command.“I threw the ball OK,” Kershaw said. “Sometimes you’re going to have to work through things. Obviously too much traffic out there.”Kenta Maeda relieved Kershaw and struck out the side on 10 pitches in the eighth. Kenley Jansen worked the ninth, allowing a leadoff hit to Gerardo Parra before retiring the next three batters.“We’ve been sort of inconsistent all year long Travis Shaw Jersey , so things are coming together at the right time,” Roberts said.The loss dropped Colorado 1 ½ games behind St. Louis for the second NL wild-card spot.“We’ve got to score more runs. We’ve got to get more hits,” Rockies manager Bud Black said. “This is something we talk about every afternoon when we get to the ballpark. We’ve got to press on.”Rockies starter Kyle Freeland allowed two runs and five hits in 6 2/3 innings. He struck out four and walked four.The Dodgers tied it 2-all in the fifth when Austin Barnes scored on a throwing error by third baseman Nolan Arenado.Colorado took a 2-1 lead on Charlie Blackmon’s 27th homer in the fifth. He extended his hitting streak to 11 games, currently the longest active one in the majors.The Rockies tied it 1-all in the third on errors by third baseman Justin Turner and left fielder Taylor. DJ LeMahieu was safe at first when the ball went past Turner’s glove, which allowed Garrett Hampson to take third and Blackmon to advance to second. The ball went into left field where Taylor couldn’t field it cleanly, allowing Hampson to score.The Dodgers led 1-0 on Matt Kemp’s RBI single in the first.TRAINER’S ROOMRockies: SS Trevor Story has inflammation in his right elbow, but there’s no structural damage and it’s possible he can return to the lineup in a few days. He tweaked his elbow on a throw in the first inning Monday night and aggravated it on a swing in the fourth.BOBBLEHEAD NIGHTKemp began the evening catching a first pitch from his mother, Judy, on the slugger’s bobblehead night. He went 1 for 4.CRUNCH TIMEThe Dodgers improved to 8-7 in extra innings this season with their sixth walk-off win.“Our depth is our biggest strength,” Taylor said. “We’re built for extra-inning games with how many guys we have.”ERROR-ITATINGEach team had two errors http://www.brewersfanproshop.com/authentic-orlando-arcia-jersey , and both of the Rockies’ were committed by Arenado. The five-time Gold Glover tied his career high for the sixth time.UP NEXTLHP Tyler Anderson (6-9, 4.82 ERA) starts the series finale for the Rockies. He held the Giants to two runs over six innings in his last outing after overcoming mechanical issues. RHP Walker Buehler (7-5, 2.88) goes for the Dodgers. He’s coming off an eight-inning, nine-strikeout performance against St. Louis. GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Corey Seager played shortstop in a game for the first time since April 29, three innings for the Los Angeles Dodgers in a minor league exhibition.The 2016 NL Rookie of the Year had surgery May 4 to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow and arthroscopic surgery on Aug, 7 to repair his left hip.He struck out twice and fielded one ball Thursday, an infield single. Although the runner was going to be safe, Seager completed the throw.“It was good, didn’t hesitate Robin Yount Jersey , didn’t think about it, just kind of did it,” he said.“I wanted to finish it, kind of check that off the list.”Seager had three plate appearances in a minor league game Monday but did not play the field.“It was nice to move around,” he said. “It has been a long time. It is weird. You try to find your timing. For the most part it was a lot smoother than I expected.”Los Angeles has not projected whether he will be available for the opener against Arizona on March 28.“It’s about building up innings at this point,” Seager said.The left-handed Seager’s last at bat, against a right-hander, lasted eight pitches.“At this point, I’m not really worried about the outcome,” he said. “That was maybe my ninth AB. I’m still trying to get comfortable in the box.”Notes: LHP Clayton Kershaw threw a 31-pitch bullpen session to Russell Martin as manager Dave Roberts looked on along with pitching coach Rick Honeycutt http://www.brewersfanproshop.com/authentic-orlando-arcia-jersey , president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman and other staff. Kershaw threw some offspeed pitches. He had been was limited to 20 pitches, all fastballs, on Monday in his first bullpen session since Feb. 20. The three-time Cy Young Award winner has been slowed by left shoulder discomfort. … OF Alex Verdugo is likely to make the opening-day roster. “Everyone has a different path and a different maturity growth and I think he’s grown up, he’s grown up,” Roberts said of the 22-year-old. … INF Max Muncy was scratched from the game against Cincinnati because of pain and stiffness in his right forearm/wrist.
Fans of the Boston Red Sox will experience familiar emotions Wednesday when their team parades through the city for the fourth time since 2004.While some fanbases go through stressful championship series http://www.redsfanproshop.com/authentic-cliff-pennington-jersey , Red Sox supporters have experienced 12 victories in 15 World Series contests during their recent title runs.The latest championship side to come out of Boston never appeared to face much stress over five games against the Los Angeles Dodgers, even when the National League champion won an 18-inning Game 3.Over the course of five games, the Red Sox produced plenty of memorable moments, with a handful coming in Games 4 and 5, when they snatched the momentum away from the Dodgers for good on their way to clinching the series.The 2018 World Series was supposed to start off with a pitcher's duel between Boston's Chris Sale and Los Angeles' Clayton Kershaw, but the Red Sox lineup had other thoughts.Andrew Benintendi and J.D. Martinez set the tone for the series with a pair of RBI singles in the first inning off Kershaw, who lasted four innings.Just as the Dodgers pulled themselves back into Game 1, Eduardo Nunez delivered a three-run home run in the seventh inning to seal the victory.MLB MLBNOON TIME.#WorldSeries IFWyZwsix1In Game 2 Ken Griffey Jersey , the Red Sox did the majority of their damage at the plate in the fifth inning, with Martinez's two-run double highlighting the rally.MLB MLB.JDMartinez14 is a hitting MACHINE. #WorldSeries nDc3GxKnkVDavid Price silenced the Dodgers lineup in the second game at Fenway Park, as he gave up three hits and two earned runs over six innings in the first of two terrific starts.Although the Dodgers came out on top in Game 3, the 18-inning marathon still produced some memorable Red Sox moments.In the 13th inning, Nunez stole the spotlight, as his short single in front of home plate started a play in which Brock Holt scored.FOX Sports FOXSportsBOSTON SCORES IN THE 13TH!Brock Holt scores on an Eduardo N煤帽ez grounder to give Boston the lead in the 13th inning! SxpWlDbuVQBefore the Dodgers tied the game in the bottom half of the 13th, Nunez put his body on the line to make an excellent catch that brought him into the stands.FOX Sports: MLB MLBONFOXEduardo N煤帽ez! What a catch going into the stands! qCmYWp0LByA day after falling short in Game 3, the Red Sox found themselves down by four runs after a Yasiel Puig home run Tony Perez Jersey , but a three-run shot from Mitch Moreland and solo home run off the bat of Steve Pearce changed the course of the series.MLB MLBMitchy to the MOON. 馃槺#WorldSeries DnptDcV2n5Rafael Devers came up with the most important hit of Game 4, as his single scored Holt and gave the Red Sox a 5-4 lead.CBS Sports HQ CBSSportsHQRafael Devers comes up HUGE for Boston. The Red Sox have the LEAD.7GVgmV6r7OPearce promptly followed Devers' hit by driving in three runs on a double that set up the Red Sox to clinch in Game 5.MLB MLBThe Truth for THREE. #WorldSeries Pce0SnGWVhPearce, who was named World Series Most Valuable Player, homered off Kershaw in the first inning of Game 5, and the Dodgers never recovered.Boston Red Sox RedSoxLet us tell you about Steve Pearce. His last 3 AB? 2 HR, 2B, 6 RBI (鈥硷笍)#DoDamage S07ymYsh46Pearce, Martinez and Mookie Betts all hit solo home runs to open up an advantage for Chris Sale to come in for the ninth inning and comfortably close out the contest.Boston Red Sox RedSox#DAMAGEDONE X9cLgcylEvAs the celebrations started in the Boston locker room http://www.redsfanproshop.com/authentic-cliff-pennington-jersey , the Red Sox trolled the rival New York Yankees by playing "New York, New York." It was a shot at Aaron Judge, who left Fenway Park after Game 2 of the ALDS by blaring the Yankees anthem outside the locker room.Cut4 Cut4Playing quot;New York, New Yorkquot; in the clubhouse?The RedSox have ZERO chill. xvonvEJ7gr SEATTLE (AP) — Former No. 2 overall pick Dustin Ackley is returning to the Seattle Mariners on a minor-league deal after spending the past two seasons in the minors with the Los Angeles Angels, according to a person familiar with the deal.The person spoke to The Associated Press on Wednesday on the condition of anonymity because the deal had not been announced. It reunites Ackley with the team that took him second in the 2009 draft.Ackley had a rocky career with the Mariners after being touted as one of the top college hitters. He made a promising debut in 2011, but his production decreased from there. Ackley hit .243 in parts of five seasons with the Mariners, but never came close to matching the .273 average of his first season.Ackley was traded to the New York Yankees in July 2015 and appeared in 51 games over two seasons with the Yankees. He spent the past two seasons with Triple-A Salt Lake in the Angels organization.
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Washington Nationals avoided arbitration with two star infielders http://www.rangersfanproshop.com/authentic-matt-moore-jersey , reaching an $18.8 million deal with Anthony Rendon and a $3,725,000 agreement with Trea Turner.The one-year deals Friday with Rendon and Turner left only two Washington players still eligible for arbitration. Outfielder Michael A. Taylor asked for $3.5 million, and the team offered $3.25 million. Reliever Kyle Barraclough asked for $2 million, and the team offered $1,725,000.Rendon and the Nationals have indicated an interest in trying to reach agreement on a long-term contract for the third baseman Delino DeShields Jersey , who made $12.3 million in 2018. He’s been one of Washington’s top players the past few years, a key member of the lineup and a top-flight infielder, and last season Rendon hit .308 with an NL-high 44 doubles, 24 homers and 92 RBIs.Turner continued his progression as a key top-of-the-order member of the Nationals in 2018, when the shortstop played in all 162 games and led the NL with 43 stolen bases while batting .271 with 19 homers and 73 RBIs. Turner made $577,200 last season.The Nationals acquired Barraclough from the Miami Marlins in a trade earlier this offseason. JUPITER, Fla. (AP) — For a franchise that has been a perennial loser Joey Gallo Jersey , Victor Victor Mesa sounds like a winner.The Miami Marlins can’t be sure, however, because they they’ve never seen Mesa play. They agreed to a $5.25 million signing bonus last October with the highly touted Cuban defector and can begin to assess the investment Saturday when their spring training season starts.It has been more than two years since Mesa’s most recent game. The Marlins based their evaluation of him on videotape of his play in Cuba.“That was the only opportunity we had, and every other major league team had,” said Gary Denbo, vice president of player development and scouting. “But I have a lot of confidence what we’re going to see is going to be exciting.”Mesa, 22 http://www.rangersfanproshop.com/authentic-matt-moore-jersey , left Cuba nearly a year ago to pursue a major league career and was considered the top international free agent last fall. Miami signed him and his 17-year-old brother, Victor Jr., after both tried out at Marlins Park for scouts from all 30 major league teams.The session stoked the Marlins’ enthusiasm for the elder Mesa.“He took a batting practice that would rival any of our major league players, hitting head-high line drives all around the field,” Denbo said Thursday.The Marlins don’t necessarily expect Mesa to do that in spring training, at least not right away. But he’ll play a lot, working off the rust before heading to the minor leagues to start the regular season.“We’ll get him as many at-bats as we can and see him in different situations Ferguson Jenkins Jersey ,” manager Don Mattingly said. “There’s going to be a process, with him not playing games in a while and getting him up to speed.”That’s something he has in abundance — speed — and he’s regarded as an excellent defensive player. But the 5-foot-9, 165-pound Mesa didn’t show much power in Cuba, and it’s uncertain how quickly he’ll adjust to big league pitching.Mesa has gone about his business quietly since full-squad workouts began Monday.“I’m happy just to be back on the field,” he said through an interpreter. “I was out of the game for a long time.”The Mesa signings were part of a push by the Marlins to be more active on the international market under CEO Derek Jeter. He wants the Marlins to mirror their diverse city.A Cuban star outfielder would be good business for the attendance-challenged franchise, and Victor Victor is already accustomed to being asked when he’ll reach the majors. The question was raised at a news conference after he signed, and he addressed it again after reporting for spring training.“I believe the moment will come http://www.rangersfanproshop.com/authentic-matt-moore-jersey ,” he said. “All I have to do is work hard.”The Marlins are rebuilding under Jeter and likely at least a couple of years from ending a playoff drought that dates to 2003. They anticipate their climb into contention will include Mesa, but have no reason to fast-track him.“It will great to see how he mixes in this spring,” president of baseball operations Michael Hill said. “”We just want to get him on the field and get him playing, get him with our coaching staff and start that process toward getting him to the big leagues.”
NEW YORK (AP) Booed as he walked off the Yankee Stadium mound in the third inning Boone Logan Jersey , Sonny Gray smiled.A few moments later, third base coach Phil Nevin screamed at players in the New York dugout.The Yankees headed to their four-game series at Fenway Park after perhaps their worst performance this season, a 7-5 defeat Wednesday to the Baltimore Orioles, who have the worst record in the major leagues. And to Alex Cobb, who leads the big leagues in losses .”We’re a lot better than what we did today,” Nevin said. ”People have different ways of firing guys up. I think that was my first one this year, I guess.”Gleyber Torres raised his homer total to 17 with a solo shot in the second and a three-run drive in the ninth , but the rookie second baseman also failed to cover first base on Caleb Joseph’s second-inning bunt and second on Renato Nunez’s third-inning grounder to shortstop, leading to hits both times.Gray (8-8) may have lost his rotation spot after putting New York in a 7-1 deficit. Lance Lynn followed with 4 1/3 scoreless innings in his Yankees debut and first regular-season relief appearance since 2012, and manager Aaron Boone wouldn’t commit to staying with Gray .”That’s something that we’ll talk about now in the hours ahead, days ahead about what our plans will be going forward,” Boone said.On an afternoon that began with a partly sunny sky, Gray left under dark clouds just before a 39-minute rain delay.He tied his career high by allowing seven runs, giving up eight hits and two walks in 2 2/3 innings as his ERA rose to 5.56. Gray wiped his faced as he left the mound Josh Hader Jersey , adjusted his cap and then smirked when fans jeered.”I’ve never been a guy to come off the field and throw a glove or throw a hat or punch something or do anything,” Gray said. ”I’ve always been a mellow guy that tries to think things through and get over it.”Gray said fans shouldn’t question his desire because of his demeanor.”You can go around and ask the 24 other guys in this clubhouse who I am, what kind of person I am, what I’m about, and they’ll tell you,” he said. ”You’ve seen me do that before.”He is 12-15 with a 4.85 ERA since he was acquired from Oakland at last year’s trade deadline. His ERA this year is 7.71 at Yankee Stadium and 3.62 on the road.”I’ve struggled. I don’t know if it has anything to do with New York, or it’s just strictly on the field,” he said.Then a 19-year-old at Vanderbilt, Gray tweeted on Oct. 29, 2009, that ”You have to be really good to get all of Yankee stadium to boo you as you’re walking off the mound…and a hall of famer to smile about it.” That was when Pedro Martinez lost World Series Game 2 to New York.Gray was asked about another tweet, one from Sept. 12, 2012, that said ”1. You didn’t go to college. 2. You are black.” He said the tweet Starlin Castro Jersey , since deleted, was a response to Rashun Dixon, a teammate in the Oakland minor league system whose brother Anthony played in the NFL.”That’s an inside joke,” Gray said. ”And if people are trying to dig stuff up, then ask Sir Peanut. He’s one of my best friends,” referring to Dixon by his Twitter handle.New York (68-38) dropped 5 1/2 games behind Boston (75-34). This is the first time since the leagues split into divisions in 1969 that two teams in the same division began August with a winning percentage .640 or higher, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.Boone, a laid-back Californian, understood the eruption by the extroverted Nevin.”Over the course of the season you’re going to have outbursts from guys, from coaches, from me, whatever, so just emotion of the season, of the game http://www.marlinsfanproshop.com/authentic-starlin-castro-jersey ,” he said.First baseman Greg Bird said the lashing was needed.”We were dragging a little bit today,” he said.Baltimore, which traded six veterans for prospects in recent weeks, took a 5-0 lead in the second . Trey Mancini hit a run-scoring single , and Joseph reached on a bunt single as third baseman Miguel Andujar delayed his throw because Torres didn’t sprint to cover first.Renato Nunez followed with a two-run double over a shallow Shane Robinson in right , and Tim Beckham had a two-run single .Torres led off the bottom half with his first home run since July 1 , and Cobb (3-14) struck out Giancarlo Stanton to end the inning , leaving the Yankees 0 for 15 with four sacrifice flies in their last 19 plate appearances with the bases loaded.Mancini homered in the third , and Breyvic Valera greeted Lynn with a grounder to Didi Gregorius. The shortstop looked to second for a force, saw Torres wasn’t there, and then threw too late to first as another run scored .”I know I missed a couple plays,” Torres said. ”I feel pretty bad.”Torres, 21, was a shortstop until last year.”A lot of that is youthfulness Martin Prado Jersey , his inexperience at the position, the nuances where you just do things all the time, second nature,” Boone said.Andujar hit a based loaded-single against Mychal Givens in the eighth, but Paul Fry got pinch-hitter Neil Walker to ground into an inning-ending double play. After Torres’ two-out homer against Mike Wright Jr. , Bird followed a game-ending popup.Lynn threw 71 pitches, which rules him out for a start at Boston. But he could be in the rotation soon.”When they’ve told me I go pitch, I go pitch,” he said.TRAINER’S ROOMYankees: Boone said the team will not know until Thursday at the earliest whether LHP J.A. Happ will recover from hand, foot and mouth disease in time to start Saturday.UP NEXTYankees: LHP CC Sabathia (6-4) starts the opener against Boston and LHP Brian Johnson (1-3), who pitches in place of injured ace Chris Sale.— Baltimore Orioles center fielder Adam Jones is reportedly staying put despite interest from the Philadelphia Phillies.Jon Heyman of MLB Network reported the news Sunday, noting "there was a chance" Jones would go to the Phillies but elected to stay in Baltimore because of family, friends, his charity and the fans.Heyman pointed out there is a chance the Phillies could renew their interest following the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline.It would make sense for the Orioles http://www.marlinsfanproshop.com/authentic-starlin-castro-jersey , who are in last place in the American League East, to move the 32-year-old Jones and add some younger pieces to facilitate a rebuild, but he has no-trade protection in his contract, per Spotrac.He is set for unrestricted free agency in 2019 and could choose to sign elsewhere in the offseason, although his decision to stay put for now suggests he is happy in Baltimore.Jones, a five-time All-Star, four-time Gold Glover and Silver Slugger winner, has struggled to maintain his power during the 2018 campaign. He is slashing .285/.312/.434 with 11 home runs and 44 RBI this season, and his streak of seven straight campaigns with at least 25 long balls is in jeopardy.Still, Philadelphia鈥檚 interest in Jones is justified given his track record, and it could use the power boost as a solid but unspectacular 13th in the league in total home runs.The Phillies are 1.5 games ahead of the Atlanta Braves in the National League East and looking for their first postseason appearance since the 2011 campaign.
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CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Cubs and Sinclair Broadcast Group are launching a regional sports network in 2020 that will be the team’s exclusive TV home.The Cubs said Wednesday the Marquee Sports Network will carry live game broadcasts and pregame and postgame coverage. Cubs games will be in one place http://www.marlinsfanproshop.com/authentic-starlin-castro-jersey , instead of split between two broadcast stations. The Cubs signed five-year contracts with WGN and WLS in 2014 ahead of plans for the network launch in 2020.Sinclair president and CEO Chris Ripley tells the Chicago Tribune negotiations are underway to sign up cable and satellite providers and streaming services for the network.Cubs president of business operations Crane Kenney expressed confidence fans will have many ways to watch, saying the team expects “to have more distribution with the new network than we have today.”At least nine other major league teams or their owners have equity stakes in regional sports networks, including YES (Yankees), NESN (Red Sox), MASN (Orioles, Nationals), NBC Sports Bay Area (Giants), NBC Sports Philadelphia (Phillies) Justin Bour Jersey , SportsNet New York (Mets), Fox Sports San Diego (Padres) and Spectrum SportsNet LA (Dodgers).In addition, the Toronto Blue Jays are owned by Rogers Communications Inc., the parent company of Sportsnet. A look at what’s happening around the majors today:SET FREERobinson Cano is set to return from his 80-game suspension for violating baseball’s drug agreement when Seattle plays at Oakland. The All-Star second baseman has been out since May 15, though he’s been playing in the minor leagues for the past week. Cano is ineligible for the postseason if Seattle makes it, but manager Scott Servais hopes the 35-year-old can help the Mariners get there as a versatile piece around the infield. Servais said the team will work Cano in slowly, getting him reps at first, second and third base.“We need to be smart in breaking him in http://www.marlinsfanproshop.com/authentic-starlin-castro-jersey ,” Servais said. “He wants to get going, he wants to contribute right away. He’s missed playing, he’s missed his teammates and being around this whole thing. I know he wants to come in and do a lot. But again small little things.”Seattle entered Monday 1 1/2 games behind Oakland for the second AL wild card.ROLLING RONALDRonald Acuna Jr. is the youngest player to homer in four straight games during the live ball era, according to ESPN, and he’ll go for five when Atlanta hosts Miami. Acuna homered to lead off both ends of Monday’s doubleheader against the Marlins, making him the first to do that since Baltimore’s Brady Anderson in 1999 and just the fourth to do it overall, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.MAKING PROGRESSKenley Jansen is back with the Dodgers and preparing to return to action sooner than expected after being diagnosed last week with an irregular heartbeat. Jansen threw a light bullpen session Monday and will also throw Wednesday and Friday this week. Jansen expects to return much sooner than the initial projection of 4 to 6 weeks, though he says he may still require an ablation procedure on his heart this offseason. He had a similar operation in 2012.CENTRAL SHOWDOWNThe Cubs and Brewers begin a pivotal two-game series at Wrigley Field. Milwaukee is three games back of Chicago for the top spot in the NL Central after David Bote’s game-ending grand slam pushed the Cubs over the Nationals in the ninth inning Sunday night. Jhoulys Chacin (11-4 Nick Wittgren Jersey , 3.91) will pitch for the Brewers against Jose Quintana (10-8, 4.28), who gave up five runs in a 9-0 loss to Kansas City last time out.NOT VERY VERLANDERJustin Verlander tries to bounce back from his worst start of the season when Houston hosts Colorado. Verlander allowed six runs in two innings against the Mariners last time out before getting ejected for arguing a balk call. Verlander allowed three homers in that game and has given up 10 in his past five starts — compared to 12 in his first 20. German Marquez (9-9, 4.69) will start for the Rockies.
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